Congressional leaders launched the e-Congress website (eCongress.gov.ph) on Thursday, saying such an online portal providing information about bills filed and other legislative output will make Congress more effective in responding to the needs of the people.
In his message read in the event by House Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Arroyo of Pampanga, Speaker Martin Romualdez of Leyte said the eCongress initiative will maintain an integrated and secure digital legislative management system for the Congress of the Philippines which include:
digitizing legislative support processes, services and records providing a platform for knowledge and for the exchange of information that are different from the other chamber but are shared or made accessible to each other providing updates on the status of bills, resolutions and other legislative undertakings
“We acknowledge the potential of e-governance in facilitating prompt and efficient delivery of public goods and services,” Romualdez said.
“An effective communications system amplifies the capacity of government organizations, ensures greater transparency, and deters corruption. It also serves as a mechanism for public information to promote citizen engagement in policy-making,” he added.
Legislation, Romualdez said, should be relevant, responsive and timely not only to support the government’s target outcomes but also to raise the quality of public service.
“To carry out this crucial role, it is imperative that both Houses of Congress exercise constant collaboration, coordination, and sharing of information towards people-centered legislative governance,” he said.
Senate President Miguel Zubiri agreed.
“We can’t be a Congress that is irrelevant. We have to be dynamic and forward looking. it is the only way we can genuinely be responsive to our people’s needs,” Zubiri said.
“The eCongress will streamline the legislative process and lead to more efficient passage of laws, and will give the public a more accessible platform where they can keep track of our work, as it is their right to do so,” he added. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
