This article analyzes various examples of ineffective and poorly planned legislation in the Philippines, highlighting the unintended consequences and systemic issues they create.
As we approach another election cycle, it's crucial to reflect on the often-inane measures passed or proposed by our elected officials. Recent examples highlight the pitfalls of poorly conceived legislation. The non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise, driven by pure vindictiveness, deprived the nation of a vital information source for weather alerts, news updates, and government communication with its citizens. Thousands lost their jobs in a struggling job market.
Another example is the Salt Law, which mandated the iodization of all domestically produced salt. However, it lacked provisions for educating salt producers on how to properly iodize salt, ignored the need for exceptions for animal feed, and ultimately led to a near-total reliance on imported salt. While the law was amended, salt production never fully recovered.The senior citizen discount law, while seemingly well-intentioned, often benefits those who don't need it most, while burdening the economy with inflation. The discounts are supposed to be returned to the government, but retrieving them is nearly impossible. Consequently, businesses simply increase prices to offset the discounts, leading to higher costs for everyone. Similarly, the PWD discounts, intended to assist those with disabilities, are often abused, with individuals exploiting the system for personal gain. This, too, contributes to inflation and undermines the true purpose of the program.A recent proposal to bring all Filipinos imprisoned abroad back to Philippine jails raises serious concerns. The current prison system is already overcrowded and struggling to provide adequate facilities. There is no clear plan for accommodating hundreds of new inmates. The case of Mary Jane Veloso, who was unfairly imprisoned abroad and eventually returned, is a stark reminder that bringing prisoners back without addressing the underlying issues in our own justice system is a futile exercise.Furthermore, many laws are blindly copied from other countries without considering their applicability to our unique social context. The Ombudsman, designed to hold government officials accountable, seems ineffective when only minor offenders face consequences while larger-scale corruption goes unpunished. The party-list system, intended to represent marginalized groups, has often been exploited by wealthy individuals and dynasties, contradicting its original purpose. Lastly, term limits, while seemingly aimed at promoting fresh perspectives, have inadvertently led to the rise of less qualified and more opportunistic individuals filling the void left by experienced lawmakers.The process of lawmaking requires a comprehensive approach that considers not just good intentions but also potential pitfalls and unintended consequences. Laws must be tailored to the specific realities of our society and thoroughly evaluated before implementation to ensure they serve their intended purpose and avoid creating further problems
PHILIPPINES LEGISLATION GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION TERM LIMITS SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS PWD DISCOUNTS ABS-CBN SALT LAW PARTY-LIST SYSTEM OMNIBUS
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