Tito Sotto seeks clear rules on prolonged unauthorized absences of senators

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Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking to institutionalize guidelines addressing the prolonged unauthorized absence of members of the Senate.

Sotto, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, filed Senate Resolution No. 751 on October 27.

Under the resolution, he pointed out a “policy gap” regarding the possible sanction on senators with prolonged unauthorized absences, making them unable to participate in major legislative functions.

“Such absenteeism and neglect of duty is deemed a waste of taxpayer funds and has caused public clamor over the past months,” the resolution read.

Sotto also cited the complaints filed against several senators, whom he did not name in the resolution.

The Senate President Pro Tempore thus underscored the need to revisit the current Rules of the Senate to study “the best possible approach” regarding the matter with the view of ensuring “highest standards of public service commensurate to the trust reposed by the electorate.”

“As public servants elected by the Filipino people and whose salaries and allowances are derived from the taxes they have paid, we owe it to them to perform our duties with diligence and to represent them in the legislative framework,” the resolution added.

He recommended the Committee on Rules to institutionalize the guidelines for such. — RSJ, GMA News