SPQR

Standing for "Senatus Populusque Romanus", SPQR symbolises the high esteem the Roman Republic gave to the Senate. As a counterweight to the Emperor, the Roman Senate kept the republican spirit alive in Ancient Rome. To this day, SPQR is emblazoned on public buildings and property in Italy, and appears on the coat of arms of the city of Rome.

In the Philippine setting, the Senate is a relatively modern institution, a vestige of American-style democracy. While the Roman Senate was a counterweight to the Emperor, the Philippine Senate is supposed to serve as a counterweight to the House of Representatives. The House, being composed of congressmen with local constituencies, can be rightly expected to have populist and parochial leanings, putting local intersts ahead of the national welfare. Therefore, a Senate with a national constituency must be able to counter this leaning and balance local interests with a national agenda. The Senate must be the venue for philosophical debates and grand visions, a bastion of idealism in an increasingly cynical world. It must be the venue where great minds and noble hearts reel in a parochial House and an imperial Executive.

Now, take a look at the current list of senators and their activities during the last few years. Take a look at the senatorial lineup of the administration (Unity Ticket) and the opposition (UNO) for the coming elections.

Caligula's nominee, Incitatus, would not be totally out of place.