Metro Manila, Philippines – House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos has filed a bill seeking a “no work, no pay” policy for members of Congress, citing public concern over “absenteeism, lack of accountability, and wastage of taxpayer funds.”
In filing his bill on Jan. 27, the Ilocos Norte representative said requiring attendance and participation in official congressional duties promotes transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.
The neophyte lawmaker and eldest son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his proposal is not a class legislation, or a bill targeting a specific sector or group of people, which is unconstitutional.
“It must be remembered that no less than the 1987 Philippine Constitution itself provides for the statutory regulation of the official compensation for members of Congress when it states in part, under Section 10 of Article VI, that ‘The salaries of Senators and members of the House of Representatives shall be determined by law,’” he explained.
House Bill 7432 stated that lawmakers will only be paid for days they are present in plenary sessions, participate hearings in their respective committees, and other engagements in official activities.
Valid reasons for absences include illness certified by a licensed physician, official representation duties authorized by the Senate or House of Representatives leadership, official travel or mission as authorized by the Senate president or House speaker, and approved leave of absence.
According to the bill, members of Congress attending committee meetings as authorized by the committee on rules; meetings of the Commission on Appointments, the Senate or House Electoral Tribunal, and the bicameral conference committees; and those on official mission are deemed present.
The measure stated that the secretariat of the House and Senate will maintain daily attendance records of lawmakers. The records should also be accessible by the public to ensure transparency.
Those attempting to falsify attendance or claim pay without doing official duties will be treated as misconduct subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, according to Congress rules.
“In passing this measure, Congress affirms its commitment to uphold the highest standards of public service and to ensure that elected representatives truly embody the principle of service to the people,” Marcos said.
The possibility of “no work, no pay” was raised to the Senate leadership for the case of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who has been absent since November amid reports of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
