MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Erwin Tulfo said members of the Senate minority bloc will continue opposing a proposal that would allow lawmakers to participate in plenary sessions online under certain circumstances, describing the issue as “another battle” they intend to fight.
MINORITY VOWS TO OPPOSE PROPOSAL
Tulfo said minority senators plan to attend the next Senate session despite their objections, stressing that they cannot simply skip attendance as they still have responsibilities to the public.
He said the minority bloc would continue defending its position against changes they believe could conflict with existing Senate rules.
WALKOUT FOLLOWS MOTION ON REMOTE PARTICIPATION
The issue emerged after members of the minority bloc walked out of Tuesday’s plenary session to protest a motion filed by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta seeking to allow senators to join sessions remotely under what he described as “justifiable” circumstances.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Vicente Tito Sotto III remained during the session and raised concerns over the lack of a quorum, which eventually led to the adjournment of proceedings until Monday.
TULFO CITES EXISTING SENATE RULES
Tulfo pointed out that under current Senate regulations, online sessions may only be held during force majeure events or national emergencies upon approval of the majority of senators.
He argued that expanding the circumstances allowing remote participation could run contrary to the chamber’s established procedures.
QUESTIONS RAISED OVER THE PURPOSE OF PROPOSAL
Marcoleta initially introduced the proposed change around the time Sen. Ronald Bato dela Rosa resurfaced after months away from public view following reports of an arrest order linked to the International Criminal Court.
Discussions on the proposal resurfaced Tuesday after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed plans to file charges against Sens. Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva in relation to the flood control controversy.
Tulfo questioned whether possible legal troubles should be considered a valid reason for lawmakers to attend Senate sessions remotely, saying such a setup may be unfair to voters who elected them.
Debate over online Senate participation
Rules on virtual participation in Senate proceedings became more widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions limited physical attendance. Existing regulations generally allow online participation only during extraordinary circumstances, such as national emergencies or force majeure situations.
The renewed proposal has triggered debate over whether expanding these provisions could affect legislative processes and accountability within the Senate.