MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed opposition to proposals allowing senators to participate and vote remotely during Senate sessions, saying there is no compelling reason to change the chamber’s existing rules on physical attendance.
Speaking during his visit to Tokyo, Marcos, a former senator himself, said lawmakers are expected to personally attend sessions as part of their duties. He stressed that Senate rules should only be adjusted under extraordinary circumstances, such as emergencies or force majeure situations.
The President’s remarks came amid ongoing discussions in the Senate over a proposal that would permit online participation and voting even outside emergency situations. Marcos maintained that legislative deliberations are best conducted with senators physically present, allowing for direct debate and discussion on important national issues.
Malacañang has also echoed the President’s position, noting that there is currently no force majeure event that would justify a shift to remote voting procedures in the Senate. Existing rules already provide mechanisms for extraordinary situations, according to Palace officials.
The proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some senators raising concerns over transparency, accountability, and the integrity of legislative proceedings if remote voting becomes a regular practice. Reports also noted that tensions emerged within the Senate during discussions on the measure, with members of the minority bloc reportedly staging a walkout in protest.
The issue comes at a time when the Senate is expected to tackle several high-profile matters, including issues related to the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte and other significant legislative measures.
As debates continue, Marcos reiterated that senators should fulfill their responsibilities by attending sessions in person, emphasizing that remote voting should remain an exception rather than the norm.
