By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking to establish clear rules for addressing prolonged unauthorized absences of senators, citing a gap in existing regulations that could allow absenteeism to go without appropriate sanctions.
In a news release on Wednesday, Sotto said Senate Resolution 751 recommends that the Senate Committee on Rules develop mechanisms to address extended absences that prevent lawmakers from performing their legislative duties.
The recently filed resolution cited the need to strengthen accountability among elected officials whose salaries and allowances come from taxpayers.
“There is a policy gap as regards the possible sanction on a member of the Senate with prolonged unauthorized absence rendering them unable to participate in major legislative functions,” the resolution read.
Sotto noted that prolonged absenteeism has become a matter of public concern, with several complaints already filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“Such absenteeism and neglect of duty is deemed a waste of taxpayer funds and has caused public clamor over the past months,” the resolution stated.
However, Sotto pointed out that the Senate’s existing rules lack specific provisions on how to resolve complaints involving prolonged unauthorized absences.
The proposed measure calls for a review of the chamber’s internal regulations to determine appropriate mechanisms for addressing absenteeism while ensuring that senators fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.
Sotto also invoked the constitutional principle that public office is a public trust, emphasizing that senators are accountable to the people who elected them.
The resolution recommends that the Committee on Rules study the issue and institutionalize measures to address prolonged unauthorized absences.
It does not prescribe specific penalties but seeks to establish a framework for determining how such cases should be handled.
Sotto stressed the need to ensure the “highest standards of public service commensurate to the trust reposed by the electorate.” (PNA)
SENATE ABSENTEEISM. Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III announced on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2026) that he had filed Senate Resolution 751, seeking clear rules to address prolonged unauthorized absences of senators. Sotto cited gaps in existing Senate regulations concerning possible sanctions against absentee lawmakers, stressing accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money. (Photo courtesy of Senate PRIB)
