READ: Statement of House Speaker Martin Romualdez on the launching of CongressTV

Romualdez on CongressTV launch
House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday (Jan. 22, 2024) leads the historic launching of CongressTV – a dedicated free-to-air digital channel set to broadcast the sessions and regular legislative work of the House of Representatives starting on Tuesday. (Photo from: Mela Lesmoras/PTV)

Today marks a historic moment in the annals of Philippine democracy and governance. We are gathered here to witness and celebrate the launch of “CongressTV”, a pioneering initiative and a testament to the enduring spirit of transparency and public service that defines our great nation.

In an age where information is both a tool and a weapon, the onus is on us, the elected representatives of the people, to ensure that the power of information is harnessed to empower, educate, and engage. It is with immense pride and a profound sense of duty that we, in collaboration with PTV-4, unveil CongressTV.

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.

As your Speaker, I have had the honor of witnessing firsthand the dedication and passion that drives this institution. The debates, the deliberations, and the decisions that unfold within these walls are a testament to the democratic ideals we all hold dear. But democracy, to be truly effective, requires the active participation of its citizens. It requires an informed populace, aware of the issues, engaged in the discourse, and empowered to make informed choices.

CongressTV is our commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left in the dark, that every citizen is afforded a front-row seat to the legislative process. Through this platform, we are tearing down the walls that have long kept the inner workings of the legislature away from public scrutiny.

But let us be clear – CongressTV is not a one-way street. It is not just about broadcasting what happens within the House. It is 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.

As we embark on this journey, I call upon each one of you to engage with CongressTV actively. Ask 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.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the teams at PTV-4 and the House of Representatives who worked tirelessly to turn this vision into reality. This collaboration goes beyond technicalities and logistics; it is a shared commitment to nurturing a more informed, involved, and inspired citizenry.

As we launch CongressTV today, let us remember that this is just the beginning. There will be challenges ahead, but with your support and active participation, 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.

Thank you, and may God bless our endeavors, our people, and our beloved nation. (PR)

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