Rep. Edcel C. Lagman
Independent – Albay
16 December 2012
0916-6406737 / 0918-9120137
The writing on the wall spelling the defeat of anti-RH critics is verily patent which even the blind can perceive.
All viva voce and nominal voting consistently and repeatedly trounced those opposed to the measure.
The continuing resistance of a few Catholic bishops and their lay allies is inordinate intransigence even after a clear majority in the House of Representatives has spoken in accord with the overriding resolve of the Filipino people in favor of the RH bill.
Legislation is the joint responsibility of the legislative and executive departments.
It must be no surprise for Cabinet members of President Benigno Aquino to monitor developments in the approval of the controversial measure which has been endorsed by the President.
The collaborative efforts between the two political departments are highlighted by the following constitutional practices and precepts:
1) The Executive traditionally initiates major legislations, particularly when the President presents in his State of the Nation Address his administration’s legislative agenda. The ensuing bills are known as administration bills.
2) Bills upon the initiative of individual legislators are sometimes endorsed by the President as priority measures to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), like the RH bill.
3) The President has the power to certify the immediate enactment of certain bills where his discretion has been sustained by the Supreme Court in a number of cases.
4) A bill becomes a law only when the President signs the enrolled bill or when he allows it to lapse into law without his signature.
In a secular State like the Philippines, the Church may participate indirectly in the process of legislation by engaging in the national discourse, but religious interference is constitutionally prohibited, more so the threats of reprisal against legislators at the polls which may even be an election offense.