11 Political Science Students Act as Lawmakers in 2013 Philippine Model Congress

Nestor Jeremy Moreno, Katherine Rose Kapunan, Ma. Henna Glyssa Diaz, Andrew Mari Malilay, Edmund Maestrecampo, Sherwin Latosa, Christine Joy Gallego, Ma. Fomy Malfetria, Junna Rose Pasco, Jonald Dorado and Lara Banzuelo were part of the 500 students from across the country who occupied the Senate halls last Saturday and Sunday, July 27 - 28, 2013, for a two-day simulation of the affairs of the legislative branch of government.

The Philippine Model Congress (PMC) is an annual student-run and student-participated conference patterned after similar initiatives in topnotch universities abroad.

The delegates simulated the Philippine Congress' congressional debates, engaged in workshops and learn from invited guest speakers. Like a real Congress, bills are drafted and undergo committee hearings — an opportunity for young people to experience being in the shoes of the country’s legislators.

The conference is on its second year with 1,400 students applied, but only a third got accepted. It hopes to give students the opportunity to tell congress what matters to them.

Bills passed will be presented to the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives.