It looks like our good senators see the value of technology and the internet! The Philippine Senate recently launched a live streaming service of their proceedings yesterday, November 23, 2010. This was brought about by Resolution 53 which was filed by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan of the Liberal Party. In his press release, Senator Pangilinan shares that “new media of late has become a vital source of interaction”. I agree with the good Senator 100% and I would like to thank him for embracing the benefits and advantages offered by new media.
The streaming service is available for viewing at the official Senate website, www.senate.gov.ph. I tried it this afternoon and it was going up and down maybe because of the volume of people who tuned it since it was just formally announced this afternoon via traditional press wires and Twitter.
Here’s the official press release:
Press Release
November 24, 2010SENATOR KIKO PANGILINAN LAUDS LIVESTREAMING OF SENATE PROCEEDINGS
Four months after filing of Resolution 53 calling for live streaming of senate proceedings, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan invites the public to closely watch the senate in action as the live streaming finally gets operational in the upper house.
“Opening public proceedings to new media of late has become a vital source of interaction not only in the country but in other countries’ government as well. Our aim is to provide the public in general accurate information, transparency and accountability of legislators in the proceedings in the senate. This is also aligned with the goals of the Aquino administration of having the public participate in governance.”
Pangilinan adds that live streaming of sessions will also be educational to the public. “Unfortunately, most of the time legislators are seen debating with each other in forming laws. That is just one aspect of our duties. Now the public can see the judge for themselves how their elected officials are doing their jobs.”
Okay next step is now to overhaul the archaic looking Senate website, haha. Seriously though good job to Senator Pangilinan and everyone who made this possible.
