(PNA file photo)
MANILA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday led the launching of the House of Representatives’ pioneering CongressTV, where Filipinos will not only be allowed to monitor legislative deliberations on the pro-poor agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. but also join, through an interactive platform, in the formulation of laws.
“CongressTV is our commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left in the dark, that every citizen is afforded a front-row seat to the legislative process. Through this platform, we are tearing down the walls that have long kept the inner workings of the legislature away from public scrutiny, ” Romualdez said as he unveiled the legislative chamber’s “collaboration” with state-owned People's Television Network (PTV).
Romualdez stressed that CongressTV is not just a one-way street, but also about sparking conversations and fostering a more interactive and participatory form of governance.
He said the groundbreaking initiative not only aims to provide Filipinos with unfiltered access to the decision-making process in crafting the nation’s laws by featuring the sessions of the House of Representatives but also encourages active participation and feedback via CongressTV’s online platforms and social media pages.
Through CongressTV, Romualdez said they are hoping to promote greater transparency and accountability in the legislative process and encourage Filipinos to actively interact with lawmakers in the spirit of true democracy.
“It's about you, the people, having direct access to your representatives and the legislative process. This initiative is not just a channel, it's a bridge that connects the hallowed halls of the House of Representatives to every home, every school, and every Filipino,” he said.
A lawyer by profession, Romualdez likewise personally believes that democracy can only be “truly effective” if society, particularly government institutions, “require the active participation of its citizens.”
“It requires an informed populace, aware of the issues, engaged in the discourse, and empowered to make informed choices. The debates, the deliberations, and the decisions that unfold within these walls are a testament to the democratic ideals we all hold dear,” he said.
He encouraged the general public to join in the interactive platform by “asking the hard questions, demand accountability, and participate in the great democratic process” so that their voices, concerns and aspirations are reflected in every law that is discussed.
CongressTV was PTV General Manager Ana Puod's brainchild.
Puod, a veteran broadcaster who formerly worked with ABS-CBN, said CongressTV is a dedicated free-to-air digital channel that will broadcast the sessions and regular legislative work and public service of the House of Representatives daily for the benefit of the viewing public.
"We are thrilled to announce CongressTV as one of our first major projects this year, on the occasion of PTV’s 50th anniversary as a broadcast institution in the country,” she said. "By airing the sessions of Congress, we aim to present democracy in action, and show participative governance in the shaping of a new Philippines under our President’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas.”
CongressTV airs daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting January 23 on PTV Digital Channel 14 Manila, and online via Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X. It will also be available via Ch 46 on GMA Affordabox and Ch 2 on ABS-CBN TVPlus.
For more information about Congress TV and other PTV programs, the public is advised to visit PTV’s website at https://ptvnews.ph/, or send an email to [email protected]. (PNA)
