The doctrine of separation of powers divides the role of government into three: legislative, executive and judicial. It simply means that the making of laws belongs to the legislative branch, the enforcement of laws to the executive branch, and the interpretation of laws to the judicial branch of government.
It is called separation of powers in the sense that each department is not permitted to encroach upon the powers of the other. Each branch has its own role to play and power to exercise. In this aspect, it can be said that the legislative department, through the 15th Congress, was able to perform its duty and exercise its power as expected by the Filipino people.
Laws that change or may change the people’s lives and the country’s socio-economic directions were enacted. Reforms agenda were fulfilled. Laws were passed to enable various sectors of society to benefit from economic growth. As reported by NEDA, the Philippines registered rapid economic growth of 6.6% last year. While we recognize that more needs to be done, it cannot be denied that both policy and legislative reforms contributed to this growth.
During the last three (3) years, despite the squabbles and controversies, legislators were able to accomplish their tasks and justify the taxpayers’ money through the laws passed by both Houses of Congress. For example, controversial bills have been passed into law by the 15th Congress – the RH and the Sin Tax Law. For quite a long period of time, these bills had been held in abeyance but were finally enacted.
More than an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code to raise excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco, the sin tax measure was enacted as a health measure. The new law is expected to generate additional revenue of 34 billion pesos, and the bulk is earmarked to fund the government’s Universal Healthcare Program; thus, boosting economic activity in the healthcare industry, which may result in the generation of more employment and economic opportunities.
Laws that change or may change the people’s lives and the country’s socio-economic directions were enacted. Reforms agenda were fulfilled. Laws were passed to enable various sectors of society to benefit from economic growth. As reported by NEDA, the Philippines registered rapid economic growth of 6.6% last year. While we recognize that more needs to be done, it cannot be denied that both policy and legislative reforms contributed to this growth.
During the last three (3) years, despite the squabbles and controversies, legislators were able to accomplish their tasks and justify the taxpayers’ money through the laws passed by both Houses of Congress. For example, controversial bills have been passed into law by the 15th Congress – the RH and the Sin Tax Law. For quite a long period of time, these bills had been held in abeyance but were finally enacted.
More than an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code to raise excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco, the sin tax measure was enacted as a health measure. The new law is expected to generate additional revenue of 34 billion pesos, and the bulk is earmarked to fund the government’s Universal Healthcare Program; thus, boosting economic activity in the healthcare industry, which may result in the generation of more employment and economic opportunities.
Likewise, the whole nation was witness to the highly charged deliberations in both Houses of Congress for the passage of the RH Bill. Although the implementation of the RH law was suspended by the Supreme Court for 120 days pending petitions challenging the constitutionality of the law, the passage of the law by Congress exemplified diligence and determination on the part of the lawmakers. It was a long and rough road for the RH bill before it finally became a law. Hopefully, once implemented, this law will contribute towards having a progressive and more developed economy through population control.
Powerful forces attempted to block the measures but the attempts were unsuccessful. So it’s good that the bills have been closed so that everyone can move on, and come up with other laws that will significantly impact on the country’s growth and development.
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