'Noynoy' Aquino speaks for democracy
February 12, 2007
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Tarlac Representative Noynoy C. Aquino was warmly welcomed at the Dumaguete City airport by Salonga Center Director Atty. Mikhail Maxino and company.

       “The system of representative democracy is still the best form of government”.

       This was the words of Hon. Noynoy C. Aquino during his discussion on the topic “Has Democracy in the Philippines Widened or Shrunken after EDSA I?” held last February 12, 2007 at Moot Court, Villareal Hall, Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

       Aquino is currently the Deputy Speaker of the 13th Congress of the Philippines for 2004-2007 and the Representative of the 2nd District of Tarlac.

       “To answer the question, it is best to look our system of government before EDSA I because almost everything was restricted during Martial Law. However, our present Constitution now guarantees certain rights for the enjoyment of individuals,” he said.

       However, under our present government, Aquino said that certain attempts have been made to diminish the power of the legislature like the Executive Order No. 464 which was a threat to the transparency needed by an effective government.

Hon. Noynoy C. Aquino's discussion was held at Moot Court, Villareal Hall, Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

       He also emphasized the importance of the democratic form of government as provided in the Constitution wherein sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

       “We should have a government that is truly of, for and by the people,” he said.

       When asked how would he rate the present Congress in terms of performance and of shaping democracy with 10 as the highest, Aquino said “Two because I’m in the opposition, and three because I’m part of it.

       The said event was presented by the Dr. Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development headed by its Director Atty. Mikhail Lee Maxino together with student volunteers from Silliman University College of Law.

       “The activity is just a series of our orientation program devoted towards voters’ education for the incoming election. We are not endorsing any candidate; any party is welcomed to address certain issues. The university is a market place of ideas, so issues should be analyzed and catalyzed so that the students can examine and choose the right candidates,” Maxino said. (by Christy Ann Marie R. Cong)

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