Labor coalition Nagkaisa strongly opposed proposals allowing lawmakers to participate in Senate voting through online or remote means, saying the setup sends the wrong message to ordinary workers.
In an official letter addressed to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, the group said allowing virtual voting could appear as special treatment and may become a way for officials to avoid arrest.
The coalition also urged the government to implement a “No Work, No Pay” policy in the Senate for lawmakers who are physically absent from their duties while continuing to receive salaries funded by taxpayers.
Nagkaisa said ordinary workers such as teachers and nurses face suspension or dismissal for repeated absences and argued that elected officials should not be governed by rules detached from the realities experienced by regular employees.
The controversy stemmed from the request made by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on May 11 seeking permission for virtual participation in Senate proceedings.
The proposal came following reports that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had gone into hiding after facing a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court.
In connection with the issue, Nagkaisa formally requested the release of Dela Rosa’s official attendance records, payroll documents and payslips covering the period from November 2025 to May 2026.
According to the labor group, making the records public would help preserve the integrity of the institution and address concerns raised by the public regarding transparency and accountability inside the Senate.
The coalition maintained that public officials should remain subject to the same standards of attendance and responsibility expected from ordinary Filipino workers.
No statement from Senate officials regarding the proposal and the labor group’s request was included in the report.
