Abdul-Azim D. OntokIntern13th and 14th Congressional Internship Program for Young Mindanao LeadersJournal Number 5 (July 23-27, 2012)

The most anticipated program of the Philippine administration highlighted this weeks activities. On Monday, July 23, the fourth Monday of the month, marked the opening of the third regular session of the 15th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines. Along with it is the highly awaited State of the Nation Address (SONA) by no other than the President of the Philippines, His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III.

The situation of the policemen who secured the program was pitiful. They slept along the sidewalks of the Commonwealth Avenue near our residence. They have nothing but the coldness of the morning. They do not have pillow or even a piece of cloth to cover their body from mosquitoes and cold.

It took us almost thirty minutes to find a jeepney passing the Batasan Complex. When we arrived at the North gate, I was shocked of the loose security. Presenting the access pass given to us, the security guards did not bother to open our bags causing me to be frightened that something terrible might happen. But when we entered the North wing entrance to the plenary hall, the security was very tight. They even demanded us to turn on our laptop and put a sticker on it and on other gadgets that we have. It somehow relieved me from thinking of the worst things.

As I walk through my way to the CIPYML office, I was truly stunned to see one of my favourite news figures, the multi-awardee GMA News TV journalist Kara David. I did not share any photo with her because she was busy but I fortunately had one with two of my other favourite news personalities, Maki Pulido and Mark Salazar of GMA News TV. It was a fantastic moment.

During the opening of the third regular session of the 15th Congress, we were allowed to enter the plenary hall and given much privilege to be seated in the first gallery. Moreover, watching over the congressmen of the Philippines is a remarkable experience. In the afternoon, the entrance of the guests and visitors in the red carpet for the SONA was truly an eye candy. I saw the biggest names in the Philippine politics and show business such as Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Diana Meneses.

For the very first time, I watched a SONA. PNoys third SONA was interesting and cheerful. Unfortunately, he showed outstanding data which are not felt by the regular citizen of the country. Moreover, I appreciated his SONA much more if he discussed the irregularities of his own administration. This will show his fairness toward different matters.

The rest of the week was utilized in the assigned committee. No important activity was done. We were supposed to meet our committee chairperson this week but unfortunately, he was admitted in the hospital. Still, our movement in the committee is limited by the size of our office. I am enthusiastic of this coming week because I was told that our committee will be having a committee meeting. Hopefully, I will learn lots of lessons which will broaden my knowledge of the various legislative processes.