Senator Lito Lapid has clinched another term in the Philippine Senate—and after a closer look at his legislative performance, it becomes clearer why he continues to win public support. Despite being a celebrity, Lapid is not known for grandstanding or drama. Instead, he attends Senate sessions, avoids unnecessary theatrics, and authors bills that address core social issues.
As of 2016, Lapid had filed 263 bills during his Senate career, with 16 successfully enacted into law. Among his notable accomplishments are the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (Republic Act No. 9994), which enhanced healthcare and welfare benefits for elderly Filipinos, and the Free Legal Assistance Act (Republic Act No. 9999), designed to provide indigent citizens access to justice through free legal support.
In the 19th Congress, Lapid continued this momentum. One of his key proposals, the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (Senate Bill No. 2838), seeks to institutionalize compensation and support for grassroots health workers. This shows his consistent focus on social welfare, public health, and inclusive governance.
While Lapid’s steady work deserves credit, it also brings up a deeper question: is consistency the highest standard we should expect from our lawmakers? If we are to aspire for transformational leadership, then figures like Heidi Mendoza present an inspiring alternative. As a former Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner, Mendoza played a pivotal role in uncovering major corruption scandals. Later, she made history as the first Filipino to serve as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, symbolizing what principled and competent leadership can look like.
The recently concluded Philippine midterm elections saw not only gun-related violence in parts of Mindanao but also logistical and technical challenges. Despite these setbacks, live vote counts were broadcast across networks, increasing transparency and public engagement. Yet the election also reminded us that name recall often trumps track record.
As we move forward, the call for voters is this: beyond popularity, choose public servants who deliver results. Lito Lapid did better than many expected—but if more Filipinos begin to value substance over spectacle, then leaders like Heidi Mendoza may finally get the national platform they deserve.
Comments
Post a Comment