One of the most essential aspects of our democratic system is the distribution of powers among three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial. These branches serve as checks and balances against each other to prevent abuses of power. However, there seems to be one branch that behaves like an octopus, extending its influence beyond its designated scope of governance. The executive and judicial branches appear to be either blissfully oblivious or complicit in the legislature’s encroachment on their powers.
The legislative branch, in particular, has been guilty of misappropriating executive and judicial powers. A major example of this is the manipulation of the national budget. According to our Constitution, the executive branch is responsible for drafting the budget, the legislative branch approves it, and the executive branch implements it. However, legislators have taken it upon themselves to control the entire process, from drafting to implementation. They dictate which infrastructure projects are included in the budget for their districts and then use their preferred contractors to execute those projects. Additionally, discretionary allotments, which are meant for important expenses like national debt payments and operating costs, are treated as personal resources by lawmakers. This practice, known as the pork barrel system, has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court but continues to thrive and even expand.
Moreover, legislators have encroached on the executive branch’s prerogative to appoint key public officials. They “recommend” individuals for positions such as district engineers, department directors, and even teachers, exerting influence with veiled threats. Similarly, the legislature has taken on the role of a pseudo-court through “congressional” investigations, claiming to act in the interest of legislation. However, these investigations are often motivated by media attention and publicity, with non-governmental incidents receiving more attention than actual government wrongdoings. In some cases, these investigations are exploited to harass opponents of lawmakers.
Another area where legislators meddle is in the appointment of judges. Judicial candidates often seek the endorsement of provincial lawmakers, making it a crucial factor in the president’s decision. This practice creates a situation where judges owe a debt of gratitude to congresspersons, leading to potential compromises in their judgments.
All of these irregularities in our system erode public trust in democracy. People become disillusioned, and the desire for an undemocratic ruler becomes more appealing. This is the reality of democracy in our country. If you have any comments, please send them to [email protected].