IN LIFE, we don’t always get what we want. The same is true in a recent issue – the dynamics of the Senate.
Earlier this week the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 337 which questions President Rodrigo Duterte’s power to unilaterally end treaties and international agreements.
Through this resolution, the Senate gives the body the go-signal to file a petition asking the Supreme Court to rule whether Senate concurrence is needed in the termination of a treaty. The issue was raised after the notice of the Philippine government to the United States to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement. According to the Senate, it should be reviewed first.
Seven senators belonging to the majority bloc abstained from voting. And despite the passage of the resolution, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon was saddened by the slim majority vote.
Nevertheless, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed his frustration. According to him, he is part of the majority yet not always having the majority vote.
Just a brief discussion on the dynamics of the Senate. I was triggered by Senator Dela Rosa’s contention that the majority should always get the majority vote.
In the composition of the Senate, there is the majority bloc and the minority bloc – and the majority leader and minority leader. Both positions carry with them the responsibility of their respective group.
Those who belong to the majority are very influential in the passage of resolutions and bills. However, this does not follow that they always get the majority votes.
The majority may always support the administration. On the other hand, the minority are expected to be more alert and vigilant; it is their function and duty to criticize constructively the policies and programs of the majority.
Both groups must give close attention to all proposed legislations for the betterment of the nation and not jonly of the President. And there’s a difference between majority and minority groups in the Senate and majority and minority votes. They are not interrelated.
In the Senate, debates and discussions are open. Whichever group convinces the body gets the majority votes for a certain resolution or bill.
The Senate is an independent body. It is co-equal with the Judiciary and Executive departments.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is confident that neophyte Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa will soon realize that “being a senator is different from being just a follower of the administration.”/PN
