Speaker Romualdez Launches CongressTV in Manila for Enhanced Legislative Engagement

MANILA: Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez introduced CongressTV on Monday, a novel initiative by the House of Representatives, enabling Filipinos to actively engage in the legislative process. This platform, a collaboration with the state-owned People’s Television Network (PTV), is designed to allow citizens to not only monitor but also participate in the formulation of laws, particularly those related to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s pro-poor agenda.

According to Philippines News Agency, CongressTV represents a commitment to transparency and public involvement in governance. He emphasized that this initiative is more than a broadcasting channel; it’s a two-way communication platform meant to foster dialogue and allow for a more interactive and participatory form of governance. The service aims to provide unfiltered access to the House’s decision-making process and encourages active participation and feedback through its online platforms and social media pages.

Romualdez expressed his belief that democracy is most effective when it involves active citizen participation. He views CongressTV as a bridge connecting the House of Representatives to every Filipino home, school, and citizen, inviting the public to engage directly with their representatives and the legislative process. He encouraged the general public to utilize this platform to ask questions, demand accountability, and take part in the democratic process, ensuring their voices are reflected in the laws discussed.

PTV General Manager Ana Puod, the brain behind CongressTV, described it as a dedicated free-to-air digital channel. It will broadcast the House’s sessions, legislative work, and public services daily. Puod, a former ABS-CBN broadcaster, announced the launch of CongressTV as a part of PTV’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. The channel aims to showcase democracy in action and participative governance under the vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ as proposed by President Marcos.

Starting January 23, CongressTV will air daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on PTV Digital Channel 14 Manila and will be available online through various social media platforms. It will also be accessible via Channel 46 on GMA Affordabox and Channel 2 on ABS-CBN TVPlus. For more information, the public is advised to visit PTV’s website or contact them via email.