The diminishing Senate stature

A major component of a functioning/developing democratic society is the strength of its institutions and the respect of the governed for these institutions. In its three major branches, the judiciary is usually the most respected for its probity and independence in their actions and decisions. The executive and legislative are given some leeway as partisan and personal politics have more influence on them. However, there are limits on the debasement of these branches, beyond which their members are voted out of office or their institutions are abolished.

For a young democracy like the Philippines, these institutions have been tested a few times, especially in the martial law years, in the EDSA Revolution, the impeachment of President Estrada, and in the Duterte presidency. Marcos abolished the legislature and commandeered the judiciary. Then in the Estrada and Duterte presidencies, the legislative branch was co-opted in favor of the executive branch. These three major democratic institutions survived, but are in bad shape and are again under assault in the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial and in the 2028 elections.

While the 1950s to 1990s composition and reputation of the Philippine Senate with the illustrious, competent, and dedicated members are long gone, there have been years when its reputation and some senators were commendable. But since 2010, the Senate and many of the senators’ actions have been wanting. The Duterte years have been particularly notable in the lack of independence, courage, and capability of the senators. The investigations/persecutions of opponents in Senate hearings were partisan and lopsided. It did not help that during these times, a number of unqualified and unknowledgeable candidates were elected as senators.

Stature is defined as the quality or status gained by growth, developments or achievements of a person or institution. It is the reputation and importance based on admirable qualities and achievements. It is the reputation of a person or organization based on their behavior and ability. Against these definitions we can/should measure the Senate and the senators, especially in their output/actions in the last eight years, in the next six years, including in the impeachment trial of VP Sara.

Recent events, actions and output of some of the outgoing and incoming senators have not been encouraging. The dominance of the executive branch in the budget deliberations and some legislations were palpable. Their actions before and in the start of the VP impeachment trial, were inappropriate, shows lack of respect for their institution, and lack of knowledge of their role as senators and jurors. These actions are adding to the diminishing stature of the Senate as a credible democratic institution.

In the fall of the Roman Empire and the diminution of the British Empire, the diminishing stature of the Senate and the Parliament were key factors. The squabbling of the Roman senators in protecting their interests pushed the autocrats to power. The incompetence of the majority of the British parliamentarians made U.K. lose all their territories. These seem to be happening in the Philippine Senate.

The objective and rationale of our Constitution to have nationally-elected senators as against the geographically-elected congressmen, was to balance the parochial/partisan vested interests of local politicians, as the senators would consider the broader national interests. In the current situation and senatorial activities, it appears that most senators are for their own self-interest. The next three years will be the time for the senators and the Senate to redeem their persons and the institution. Or the people or another populist autocrat will take over.