• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson called for a “candid and constructive” exchange between Congress and local government units (LGUs) as the House of Representatives brought its LegisHear public consultation program to the province on Friday, Oct. 2.
Lacson said the consultation held at the Victorias City coliseum, as facilitated by Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, provides LGUs an opportunity to share their experiences in implementing national laws and to identify gaps, difficulties and adjustments needed at the community level.
“I hope that is what this LegisHear will provide: a candid and constructive exchange between Congress and local governments,” Lacson said. “And I hope the concerns and recommendations raised here will be taken into consideration as the discussions continue.”
He added: “Laws are passed at the national level, but some are implemented at the local level.”
Lacson emphasized that LGUs are in a position to show lawmakers how policies work on the ground.
He described the process as “democracy at work,” saying town hall consultations allow people to speak, listen and participate in discussions that could shape laws affecting their communities.
The Victorias City consultation, attended by House Speaker Faustino Dy III and other lawmakers, focused on two proposed measures — House Bill No. 10678, which seeks to raise the annual income tax exemption ceiling for individual taxpayers to P350,000, and House Bill No. 9088, which seeks to strengthen the sugar industry.
Lacson gave particular emphasis to House Bill 9088, saying the sugar industry remains integral to Negros Occidental’s economy and has supported generations of farmers, workers, businesses and families.
“At a time when the sugar industry continues to face challenges, we need to look at its competitiveness and productivity, the welfare of our farmers and workers, and its ability to adapt to changing conditions,” he said.
House Bill 9088 proposes to expand the mandate and composition of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, rationalize the allocation of the Sugar Industry Development Fund, and institutionalize systems for trade remedies and climate adaptation.
Lacson acknowledged that stakeholders may have differing views on the proposed reforms but said consultations provide an avenue to understand these differences and seek common ground.
The governor said the concerns raised during the LegisHear should help inform the continuing congressional discussions on the proposed measures.
The Victorias City leg was also welcomed by Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, who said the consultation gave residents and stakeholders a direct opportunity to bring community concerns to national lawmakers.
The program included question-and-answer sessions and discussions with participants. Dean Rhodora Lo of the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod College of Law also explained the legislative process before the presentations on the two bills. | GPB
