Legislating stuff

SINCE the official campaign period for those running in a national post has already begun, the least we can contribute in this democratic process of choosing our leaders through the electoral process is by reflecting over what should be the function of an elected official, say, a senator and your respective representatives in your district.

Well, we all know that their basic function is to make laws that adhere to our Constitution. These laws are supposed to make our lives organized as citizens of this country. But recently, because of our laxity and not so nosy how our elected officials in the Senate and the House of Representatives are doing, we will just be later shocked that some proposed House Bills they made are sometimes scarier than Halloween itself.

We let it pass, and we only knew it too late and now, it has become a law courtesy of the President’s signature. We reacted to these laws because we later found that some sections and provisions, instead of giving us great relief, can actually hurt us even if we do it in good faith. Worse, it has a potential of possible abuse of authority and cradle for corruption in the end of those who will implement it, such as the Cybercrime Law and this recently discovered re-amendments of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code.

RA 8293 basically prohibits us from further infringing copyrighted materials. But what’s disturbing is that somehow, it prohibits us from bringing books, CDs, DVDs from overseas into the country and modifying an electronics device because it can constitute to an offense.

We wonder why suddenly such new laws exist even without proper consultation and disclosure to the media. And so, why not give them a guide to the future new (and returning) Senators and Representatives of possible House Bills that can become laws where the majority of the people are happy and satisfied. This can also be a guide to our local legislators.

Why not our dear Senators and Representatives:

1. Make a law requiring them to immerse in actual community works in various fields or industries so they would know the impact if their proposed laws, whether it makes sense or as simple as being stupid, and that they could see the real world not just in the four airconditioned corners of their offices or luxurious houses. This can also apply to those who plan to run for the same offices and needed be, in a span of at least one year.

2. Make a law allowing citizens to suggest for these elected legislators what laws that might have not known by Congress and require each of them to validate whether that suggestion is applicable and can do greater good. In this way, Senators and Representatives will now value their being elected because they should work for the people, and not just sit and enjoy all the fancies while majority is still struggling for something to eat every day.

These are just two, but these could make sense.

(Nef Luczon is a freelance journalist and a part-time communications faculty and trainer. He is also a film and art enthusiast. Read his blog at Nefoi.blogspot.com and send comments to nefluczon@gmail.com)