All laws, programs, and agencies of the government should be subject to periodic congressional review to ensure that their existence, effectiveness, and cost are justified.
In this regard, Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos and Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos have filed a bill prescribing an automatic sunset review of all laws creating regulatory regimes or government programs, government programs funded through the General Appropriations Act, and government agencies created by statute.
“Government operates on limited resources, therefore it is only proper that we constantly review how the funds we pour towards implementing our statutes are being spent. Maraming nasasayang na pondo dahil sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas na hindi na angkop sa panahon o hindi kaya dahil sa mga non-performing na ahensya,” Rep. Ching Bernos said.
She said that House Bill No. 7467 or the Sunset Review bill aims to promote accountability, fiscal responsibility, and evidence-based governance “so we can ensure that our laws and agencies do what they are meant to do and discard them when they are no longer up for the job or have been rendered unfit for the times.”
Rep. JB Bernos said that institutionalizing a blanket sunset review would ensure that the government does not become reactionary and forced to act only when big issues arise due to the ineffectiveness of laws and agencies.
Under HB No. 7467, laws and government programs shall be subject to sunset review five years after effectivity or commencement. Meanwhile, government agencies created by statute shall be subject to review ten years after their creation.
Upon reaching the applicable review period, a covered law, program, or agency shall only continue upon affirmative renewal, amendment, or reauthorization by Congress.
A Joint Congressional Sunset Review Committee composed of an equal number of senators and representatives shall be formed to oversee and conduct the sunset reviews.
Among the criteria the committee shall consider in its sunset reviews are the achievement of objectives, cost-effectiveness, fiscal impact, continued necessity, overlap with existing laws or agencies, and impact on the public.
Constitutional bodies, the Judiciary, and laws implementing constitutional rights shall be exempt from automatic sunset review.
Rep. JB Bernos said that institutionalizing a blanket sunset review would ensure that the government does not become reactionary and forced to act only when big issues arise due to the ineffectiveness of laws and agencies.
He pointed out that “with a mandatory review we strengthen transparency, discipline, and evidence-based policymaking. Maiiwasan natin ang paggawa ng batas na bara-bara lang dahil mai-expose ito sa review. Dapat bawal ang kulelat na batas at ahensya dahil nasasayang ang kaban ng bayan sa mga ito.”
