House execs meet Japanese counterparts, tackle ways to improve legislation

Officials from the House of Representatives led by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco met with Japan’s House of Representatives International Affairs Department Director General Yamamoto Hironori and the rest of their counterparts on Monday in Tokyo.

A statement from the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez issued Tuesday said the senior officials from both countries engaged in a productive exchange of best practices in legislation.

“The dialogue between the two legislative leaders focused on several key areas, including the digital transformation of legislative processes, effective public consultation mechanisms, and strategies for enhancing legislative oversight,” the statement read.

“Both parties agreed on the importance of continuous collaboration to address common challenges and harness opportunities for legislative innovation,” it added.

Velasco also said that their exchange with Yamamoto provides them with invaluable insights that can help refine our legislative practices and better serve our constituents.

“We are committed to adopting innovative approaches that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our legislative work,” Velasco said.

Yamamoto, for his part, said sharing of best practices with the Philippines is most welcome given Japan’s deep friendship and a long history of cooperation with the Philippines built on mutual respect and a shared goal of legislative excellence.

Velasco then mentioned that the Philippine House of Representatives has already initiated significant improvements in legislative work such as the digitization of several operations in its legislative processes and the improvement of cybersecurity through Office of House Secretary General Director 2 Arnold de Castro.

“As both countries continue to navigate complex global challenges, such partnerships are crucial in promoting good governance and sustainable development,” Velasco said.

“Through engagements like this, the House aims to build a responsive legislative institution that meets the evolving needs of the Filipino people,” he dded.

Those who accompanied Velasco and De Castro during the meeting include former Zamboanga Sibugay Representative Wilter Wee “Sharky” Palma II, House Sergeant-at-Arms retired police Major General Napoleon Taas, Deputy Secretary General for Committee Affairs Department Jennifer “Jef” Baquiran, Deputy Secretary General for Legislative Operations Department lawyer David Robert Amorin, Head Executive Assistant Director V/lawyer  Muel Romero, House Committee on Rules Technical Staff Chief Joven Marcelang, Office of the Speaker Communications Director 2 Ruben Manahan III, and Office of the Speaker Special Assistant for Media Affairs Ryan Ponce Pacpaco. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News