Resolution Expressing Sense of the Senate to Join Nations in Activities Commemorating the 4th International Day of Democracy

September 14, 2011

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 062-11

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF NATIONS AND PARLIAMENTS AROUND THE WORLD, AND ENCOURAGE ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS TO ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES COMMEMORATING THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2011, WITH THE THEME: "WHAT DO CITIZENS EXPECT OF THEIR PARLIAMENTS?"

WHEREAS, on September 15, 1997, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted the Universal Declaration of Democracy which affirms the universality of democratic principles, elements and values; cDCSET

WHEREAS, on November 8, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 15 as International Day of Democracy, inviting all member States and organizations to celebrate democracy and calling on their citizens to protect democracy and inculcate among its youth its basic principles;

WHEREAS, September 15, 2011, marks the Fourth International Day of Democracy celebration with the theme: "What do citizens expect of their parliaments?";

WHEREAS, the ever-increasing clamor for greater transparency and accountability calls for a receptive parliament that should adapt to the changing expectations of its citizens and provide innovative ways of responding to their needs;

WHEREAS, these growing trends call for closer consultation between citizens and their elected representatives and for more direct forms of participative democracy in governance;

WHEREAS, always mindful that the mandate of the Senate emanates from the people who elect their representatives, it is thus imperative for its members to be more responsive and accessible to all Filipinos regardless of gender, faith or ethnicity;

WHEREAS, in his July 25, 2011 State of the Nation Address, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, in reference to genuine public service, calls on all government officials to end the mindset of entitlement and privilege;

WHEREAS, the Members of the Senate have, above all, a moral obligation entrusted to them by their constituents which takes precedence over their lawmaking and oversight functions; SaAcHE

WHEREAS, Parliament is the proper forum for debating national issues where elected representatives echo and reflect the voices of their constituents thereby ensuring that all major decisions are taken only after considering a broad range of views and interests from all sectors of society;

WHEREAS, Parliaments face greater challenges today in ensuring that their citizens are fully informed of their actions, and should thus fully utilize all avenues of communication, both traditional and alternative, and determine how these channels can be improved to give citizens a more accessible and accurate account of their parliamentary work;

WHEREAS, present-day information and communication technologies such as the internet and social media not only provide additional and faster channels of communication and feedback where parliaments can reach out to its citizens and vice versa but can likewise serve as a contributory force in strengthening our democratic institutions;

WHEREAS, as a member of the family of world parliaments commemorating the International Day of Democracy today, the Philippine Senate reaffirms its steadfast commitment to actively promote genuine democracy by strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights and ensuring that the fruits of democracy are shared by all: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as it is hereby resolved by the Senate of the Philippines, To express its sense in joining the community of nations and parliaments around the world and encouraging organizations and individuals to engage in meaningful activities commemorating the Fourth International Day of Democracy on September 15, 2011.

Adopted,

(SGD.) JUAN PONCE ENRILEPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 14, 2011.

(SGD.) EMMA LIRIO-REYESSecretary of the Senate