Senator Jinggoy Estrada wants the public to be involve in the legislative process through online platforms and crowdsourcing.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 17, Estrada said that the proposed Crowdsourcing in Legislative Policymaking Act will allow the public to participate from the first reading to the third and final reading of new laws.
Under Senate Bill No. 2344, the public can post or submit their inputs or comments to the committee deliberating on a bill through the social media or online portals of the Senate and the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO).
Estrada said that the PLLO will have the responsibility to provide an online platform where the public can start a campaign or petition to review, amend, or repeal a law or create. The result of which may be transmitted to any member of both houses of Congress for appropriate action.
The senator said that the PLLO must also provide an online crowdsourcing feedback report to inform the proponent/s of the action/s taken.
"Noong kasagsagan ng pandemya, naging virtual ang lahat, pati ang pagpapasa ng batas at dito nakita natin na lumalahok ang mga resource persons sa mga pagdinig sa Senado o committee hearings," Estrada said.
The lawmaker believes that the SB 2344 "will help broaden the reach of Congress in considering the inputs, suggestions, recommendations, and objections of the people on a particular legislative proposal."
Estrada said that the proposed measure will also provide channels that will help lawmakers prioritize the issues and problems that need to be addressed, solicit ways on how to solve them, and obtain feedback on the implemented solutions and policies.
