Sotto wants clear rules on prolonged unauthorized absences of senators

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking to establish clear guidelines for addressing senators’ prolonged unauthorized absences.

According to Sotto, “such absenteeism and neglect of duty is deemed a waste of taxpayer funds and has caused public clamor over the past months.”

In Senate Resolution No. 751, filed on Oct. 27, Sotto recommended that the Senate Committee on Rules institutionalize measures to address prolonged unauthorized absences by members of the upper chamber.

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The resolution noted that several complaints against senators over their absences had been filed with the Senate Committee on Ethics.

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However, Sotto said the Senate Rules have no provision on how to address the matter, which he described as “of paramount public interest.”

“Public office is public trust,” Sotto stressed in the resolution, underscoring the obligation of public officials to remain accountable to the Filipino people and perform their duties with “responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.”

READ: Legarda, other absent senators waived salaries — Gatchalian

Several senators have been absent from Senate sessions, including Sen. Loren Legarda, who has been on medical leave since Aug. 3, and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who has been in hiding amid an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

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Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta have also been unable to attend sessions after the Sandiganbayan ordered their 90-day preventive suspension in connection with the plunder charges they face.

Sotto’s resolution seeks to refer the matter to the Committee on Rules for further study and the establishment of appropriate guidelines. /mcm