Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 27) — At least 15 senators are seeking amendments to Senate rules that would allow them to hold virtual hearings and sessions amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The senators, including Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, are pushing to modify Senate rules to allow committees to conduct hearings and meetings through teleconferencing or video conference during emergencies.
They also want to amend the rules to allow the Senate President to either postpone the holding of sessions or hold sessions by remote means during such emergencies.
Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay , Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos, Manny Pacquiao, Grace Poe, Bong Revilla, Joel Villanueva and Cynthia Villar also signed the resolution.
A majority of the members of the House of Representatives had attended their special session to grant President Rodrigo Duterte special powers through the video conferencing app Zoom.
Members of House committee currently tackling a proposed P1.3-trillion economic stimulus package have also been conducting hearings via the application.
The Supreme Court, likewise, has conducted its first virtual en banc session on April 17.
Current Senate rules require at least 12 senators to be physically present on the Senate floor before the legislative body can begin its discussions. This means the upper chamber would have to convene in person when Congress resumes sessions on May 4.
CNN Philippines’ Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
