Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay emphasized the importance of pragmatic, well-funded legislation on Monday, highlighting how many national laws fail in their implementation due to a lack of foresight and financial support.
Speaking before the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Inc. on Monday evening, Binay reaffirmed her commitment to being the “people’s voice in the Senate” by ensuring that laws are not only well-intentioned but also practical, sustainable, and financially feasible.
“There’s often a disconnect when senators draft legislation without consulting the grassroots,” Binay said.
She pointed to mandates that require local government units (LGUs) to fund financial assistance programs without considering their fiscal limitations, resulting in policies that are hard to implement.
Binay stressed the importance of having lawmakers with experience in local governance to ensure that policies are not only realistic but also executable.
“It’s crucial to have someone who understands the local perspective. We pass laws that look great on paper, but the real challenge is in their implementation. For example, in Makati, when we pass an ordinance offering benefits, we make sure there is funding in place and that it’s sustainable,” she said.
She also highlighted the issue of national policies being enacted without securing the necessary funding first, which places an unnecessary burden on LGUs.
“That’s what I mean by being the voice of reason — the voice that says ‘this is doable, this is not,’” Binay said.
“You’d think it’s common sense but, unfortunately, common sense isn’t as common as we’d like to think,” she added.
Binay reiterated her commitment to bringing practical, actionable solutions to the Senate, ensuring that legislation truly benefits the people.