House brings LegisHear consultations to Mindanao, prioritizing public voice in lawmaking

Mindanao has become the first major island group to host two "LegisHear" public consultation sessions, as the House of Representatives brings its legislative process closer to the people. The program aims to ensure that laws reflect the concerns and aspirations of ordinary Filipinos. Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand “Dinand” Hernandez welcomed the initiative, stating that residents themselves best understand what their localities need for greater progress. "The law is not created if we do not listen to the people—what their grievances are, what they want. The laws we pass in Congress must start with you," Hernandez said. House Speaker Faustino G. Dy III emphasized the importance of hearing every voice and discussing what would be best for regional development. "Because only you know what is needed and what we should do for your respective areas to become more progressive and developed," he added. The Cotabato consultation followed the first Mindanao LegisHear held in August in Butuan City. Similar sessions have also been conducted in Isabela for Luzon and Dumaguete City for the Visayas. During the event, two key measures authored by Rep. Hernandez that are of particular importance to South Cotabato were discussed. House Bill No. 8342 seeks to rename the SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital to SOCCSKSARGEN Regional and Medical Center and increase its bed capacity from 75 to 1,500. House Bill No. 8627 proposes to convert the South Cotabato State College in Surallah into the Southートh Cotabato State University. Both bills have passed the House on final reading and await Senate action. Participants received an orientation on how a bill becomes a law, followed by discussions on these local measures and proposals addressing electricity costs. Residents and sectoral representatives were given opportunities to raise questions, share experiences, and submit recommendations directly to lawmakers and government officials. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. lauded the program, noting that it embodies the principles of direct democracy and participatory governance by allowing citizens an active role in shaping legislation affecting their communities.