House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

CongressTV, the House of Representatives' dedicated TV network, will be serve as a bridge of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. 

Speaker Martin Romualdez gave this promise on Monday afternoon, Jan. 22 during the launch of CongressTV--a dedicated, free-to-air digital channel that will broadcast the sessions and regular legislative work and public service of the House daily for the benefit of the viewing public. 

“CongressTV is not a one-way street.It’s not just about broadcasting what happens within the House," Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong chamber, said. 

"It’s about sparking conversations, about fostering a more interactive and participatory form of governance. It's about you, the people, having direct access to your representatives and the legislative process,” he said 

“Through this platform, we are tearing down the walls that have long kept the inner workings of the legislature away from public scrutiny. As we embark on this journey, I call upon each one of you to engage with CongressTV actively," Romualdez said. 

A collaboration between state-owned People's Television Network (PTV) network and the House, CongressTV is the PTV General Manager Ana Puod's brainchild. 

Puod, a veteran broadcaster who formerly worked with ABS-CBN, said PTV’s digital channel 14 Manila will serve as the free-to-air broadcast platform for Congress TV. It will also be available via Channel 46 on GMA Affordabox and Channel 2 on ABS-CBN TVPlus. 

Romualdez made it crystal clear that CongressTV, which will begin airing Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., "is not a one-way street".   

“This initiative is not just a channel; it's a bridge. A bridge that connects the hallowed halls of the House of Representatives to every home, every school, and every Filipino. It's a bridge built on the pillars of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity,” explained the top Marcos administration ally.

ALSO READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/16/erwin-tulfo-hypes-up-congress-tv-says-it-s-like-c-span

Though Congress TV, viewers will have the opportunity to witness the discussions, debates, and deliberations of Congress during its regular sessions. 

"We hope to promote greater transparency and accountability in our legislative process and encourage our people to actively interact with our lawmakers in the spirit of true democracy," Romualdez said. 

He reckoned that the onus is on the House "to ensure that the power of information is harnessed to empower, educate, and engage...In an age where information is both a tool and a weapon". 

As such, the House chief encouraged the general public to join in the interactive platform by “asking the hard questions, demand accountability, and participate in the great democratic process".

“For in every debate that is broadcast, in every law that is discussed, your voice, your concerns, and your aspirations are reflected,” Romualdez, congressman of Leyte province’s first legislative district, explained further.

“I am confident that this platform will serve as a beacon of democracy, a catalyst for change, and a cornerstone in our collective journey towards a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive Philippines,” he said.