BBM Vlog on Feb. 1, 2026. Screen grabbed from Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr’s video/Facebook.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday opposed the proposal allowing senators to vote remotely even outside emergency situations, saying there is no justification for its implementation at present.
He made the statement during a sit-down interview with reporters as he concluded a four-day state visit.
Marcos said he disagrees with the proposal, noting that remote voting was only acceptable during extraordinary circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
He stressed that with normal Senate operations restored, there is no reason to adopt online voting.
The President also said the arrangement appeared to mainly benefit Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, whom he noted would not be able to participate in person under current conditions.
Marcos said senators must physically appear in the chamber if they intend to vote, pointing to long-standing Senate practice.
He added that attendance on the Senate floor remains a basic requirement for participation in voting.
The President reiterated that lawmakers who are absent should not be allowed to take part in Senate decision-making.