“You think it's common sense, but I realize that common sense is not very common."

This was what Makati City Mayor and senatorial aspirant Abby Binay said on Monday, Feb. 24, as she reaffirmed her commitment to being the “People’s Voice in the Senate” by ensuring that laws are not only well-intentioned but also practical and sustainable.

Binay met with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Inc. where she underscored the need for a pragmatic and well-funded legislation, pointing out that many national laws fail in implementation due to a lack of foresight and financial support.

She said there is often a disconnect when senators craft legislation without consulting the grassroots.

She also cited mandates that require local government units (LGUs) to shoulder financial assistance programs without considering their fiscal capacity, resulting in policies that are difficult to implement.

The mayor stressed the importance of having lawmakers with experience in local governance to ensure that policies are realistic and implementable.

“It is crucial to have someone coming from a local perspective. We have laws that work really well on paper, but implementation-wise, it's not happening. For example, in Makati, when we pass an ordinance giving benefits, we make sure that there is money, it is sustainable,” she explained.

She also pointed out how some national policies are passed without securing funding first, putting an unnecessary burden on LGUs.

“So, that’s what I mean by being the voice of reason; being the voice that says ‘that’s doable, that’s not doable'," Binay said.

“You think it's common sense, but I realize that common sense is not very common,” she added.

Binay reiterated her commitment to bringing practical, implementable solutions to the Senate, ensuring that legislation truly serves the people.