Cynthia Villar jubilant as Senate hearing concludes harmoniously

FILE PHOTO: Cynthia Villar at Kapihan sa Manila Bay, January 25, 2023 | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Far from the typical squabbling during congressional hearings, the Senate committee on the environment headed by Senator Cynthia Villar had a surprisingly emotional end with the playing of the song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

As the panel discussed Senate Bill No. 517, environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. presented a music video of the classic track in honor of all those in government with a dream of a “beautiful and bountiful” Philippines.

A proposal to declare the marine, mangrove, foreshore and water recharge areas of the Bantayan Group of Islands as a protected landscape and seascape got a boost after a group of people urged senators in the hearing to stand up and sing with them.

Senator Cynthia Villar and Senator Francis Tolentino were among those who heeded the unusual call. Villar later remarked that a singing session during a hearing was an uncommon sight in the Senate.

“Maraming salamat, Atty. Oposa,” she then said, “You’ve made our committee hearing enjoyable and emotional and wonderful.”

“ Usually, ‘yung (the) committee hearing ng Senado puro away ito (of the Senate are marked with verbal squabbles) but at least you’ve made it a very nice hearing,” she added.

Chairing her committees’ hearings, Villar frequently erupted in anger – particularly when addressing the purported rampant smuggling of agricultural goods.

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KGA/abc