Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa – a fugitive – should not be allowed to vote in Senate proceedings unless physically present.
Speaking to reporters in Japan, Marcos said Dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, should not be entitled to vote online.
“Now, for someone who is actually a fugitive from justice, na hinahanap ng pulis, na hinahanap ng Interpol at may arrest warrant galing sa ICC, palagay ko hindi siya dapat bumoto,” Marcos said.
[Translation: Now, for someone who is actually a fugitive from justice, being sought by the police and Interpol and has an arrest warrant from the ICC, I think he should not be allowed to vote.]
The president, a former senator, pointed out the practice.
“So, it has been the long-standing tradition of the Senate that if you are not physically present on the floor when a vote is taken, that you cannot in fact vote,” he said.
Marcos noted the exceptions during the pandemic, but said those conditions no longer apply.
“I understand that we had to do it in COVID because there was a health risk. But I do not see any particularly good reason for us to allow it now,” he said.
He added that the issue is straightforward.
“Sa aking palagay, hindi dapat. Kung talagang importante sa iyong makaboto, dumating ka sa Senado,” Marcos said.
[Translation: In my view, no. If it is really important for you to vote, then you should show up at the Senate.]
The Senate is debating on a proposed rule change that would allow online voting in the plenary, a move critics say could benefit absent lawmakers facing legal issues.
