Political analysts have observed a decline in the quality of the Philippine Senate over the years. The shift from a chamber filled with statesmen to one dominated by entertainers and political dynasties has become evident.
“There is one dream that we all Filipinos share: that our children may have a better life than we have had. To make this country, our country, a nation for our children,” former senator and human rights activist Jose Diokno said.
Regions like Calabarzon and Central Luzon – also vote-rich – have frequently seen their candidates in the Senate. Abao noted that campaigning in the Visayas and Mindanao is more challenging due to logistical and population density issues. Enacted by the US Congress, the Jones Law aimed to promote autonomy for the Philippines which was colonized by the Americans. It established the Philippine legislature, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. This bicameral Congress governed the country from October 1916 to November 1935.
Historical data on senators since the 8th Congress also show a trend of more senior lawmakers in terms of age. From the 8th to the 12th Congress, senators aged 50 to 59 dominated the upper chamber. Starting the 13th Congress, however, the Senate saw an influx of relatively younger legislators in their 40s.
The eldest senator in the present chamber is Cynthia Villar, 73, while the youngest is her son, Manny, at 45. Fifteen out of the 24 senators are Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964. The other nine senators belong to Generation X, born between 1966 and 1980.Given the low number of young lawmakers, Franco said that “young people should push for representation in the Senate.” The median age of the Philippine population is 24.
“Formal education is necessary but not sufficient. Someone might have extensive formal education but lack rootedness in society and empathy for the people affected by their policies,” she said. In other words, knowledge that is rooted in society, and which can be incredibly valuable, is not dependent on a college degree.
Abao explained that this trend reflects the public perception that legal expertise fits well with legislative work. Filipino voters, according to Franco, have a penchant for electing celebrity senators. Even in the 1950s, celebrities were elected, but their numbers surged post-1986 due to the restoration of media freedom after Marcos’ repressive Martial Law.
Former media personalities have also made their mark in the Senate. Notable examples include broadcast journalist Orlando “Orly” Mercado, writer Blas Ople, formerIn the 19th Congress, there are three of them: Senators Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, and Loren Legarda.
Congress Of The Philippines Governance In-Depth Data And Documents Editors' Pick Newsbreak Philippine News
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
IBP stands firm: Asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine SeaThe Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the official organization of Philippine lawyers, is one with the Filipino people and the Philippine government in asserting our country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Read more »
Sea dispute should not lead to warSENATE President Francis Escudero on Wednesday expressed his desire that cooler heads prevail over the escalating Philippine-China face-off in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Read more »
PH textile innovations take centerstage at New York exhibitTHE Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DoST-PTRI), in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, New York, launched 'KatHABI: A Textile Innovation Exhibition' on June 25, 2024, at the Philippine Center in New York, USA.
Read more »
Philippine Nurses Special Professional Licensure ExaminationThe Professional Regulation Commission announces that 1,156 out of 1,806 passed the Philippine Nurses Special Professional Licensure Examination given by the Board of Nursing in: Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Al Ahmadi, Kuwait; Al-Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Doha, Qatar; Manama, Bahrain; and Singapore this June...
Read more »
![[ANALYSIS] The West Philippine Sea dispute and the stock market’s performance](https://i.headtopics.com/images/2024/6/29/rapplerdotcom/analysis-the-west-philippine-sea-dispute-and-the-s-analysis-the-west-philippine-sea-dispute-and-the-s-7750BE1A186A4226A67AD4A603504F37.webp?w=640)
[ANALYSIS] The West Philippine Sea dispute and the stock market’s performanceLooking at this week’s unfolding trading results, however, it looks like the unfortunate incident in the Ayungin Shoal did not leave any permanent negative impact
Read more »
'Philippines firm on diplomacy amid China's provocation in West Philippine Sea'The Philippines remains dedicated to peaceful dialogue and diplomacy amid China's illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Adviser and National Security Council Director General Eduardo Año said.
Read more »