Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the Senate minority bloc is prepared to question a proposed amendment to the Senate Rules if the measure is taken up again when the chamber resumes discussions on Monday.
Hontiveros expressed confidence that the proposal introduced by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta could be revisited for further deliberation.
Under the proposed amendment, Marcoleta seeks to add a new section to Rule 14 of the Senate Rules. The proposed provision would allow senators to participate in Senate sessions through online means, provided they have a justifiable reason for doing so.
According to Hontiveros, members of the minority bloc have several substantive questions they intend to raise should the amendment return to the Senate floor for discussion.
She said senators, as elected public officials, should not act as though they are exempt from the responsibilities expected of them, particularly at a time when the country is facing various challenges.
Hontiveros also reiterated her earlier position regarding the circumstances cited by Sen. Robin Padilla in support of broader online participation. She said situations such as the conflict in the Middle East and the El Niño phenomenon should not automatically be considered force majeure events.
At present, existing Senate rules allow lawmakers to attend sessions online only under specific conditions, including force majeure situations and national emergencies.
The proposed amendment has drawn attention because it seeks to expand the circumstances under which senators may participate remotely in official proceedings.
As of now, the proposal remains subject to further discussion and possible debate in the Senate. Members of the minority bloc have indicated they are prepared to scrutinize the amendment should it be brought back to the floor for consideration during the next session.
