Senate debates and discussions on the floor and during committee hearings show the true essence of democracy, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said today.

Villanueva said he admires his colleagues in the 24-member Senate because they are always open to discussions and debates.

"This will ensure that your Senate is doing its job in making our democracy work. The more voices are heard and considered, the more our policy options become clear and relevant," he pointed out.

"For instance, Senator (Ronald) ‘Bato’ dela Rosa recently conducted a committee hearing and listened to all the arguments regarding his proposed measure decriminalizing illegal drugs. We laud the former PNP (PhilippIne National Police) chief and now colleague in the Senate for his openness to various positions and recommendations,” he said.

Villanueva also said that taking into account the positions and recommendations of various stakeholders during his committee hearings in the past helped him improve his bills.

"As Majority Leader, it’s our goal to level up discussions and debates in the Senate. I admire our colleagues for their open-mindedness, especially on issues that have direct daily impact on our people’s lives,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva noted that debates and open discussions are critical as the Senate works towards passing the Marcos’ administration’s priority measures, including his principally authored bill, which seeks to institutionalize the National Employment Recovery Strategy, to which the President showed full support, during the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting last month.

"The first committee hearings on the Creation of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention bill and the Medical Reserve Corps bill are done, while preliminary discussions on the Condonation of unpaid amortizations and interest on loans of agrarian reform beneficiaries bill have already begun," he said.

Villanueva added that the active participation of the senators during the budget deliberations helped ensure that the 2023 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) would pass on time and cater to the immediate needs of the country.

“Lawmaking is not just about numbers. This is why we encourage discussions and debates because at the end of the day we all agree to get the best solution to all our woes with one common goal which is to protect the best interest of our people,” he said.