Senator Marcoleta denies rushing Senate virtual attendance proposal

Senator Rodante Marcoleta pushed back against claims that the Senate majority bloc was forcing on the minority a proposed rules amendment that would permit lawmakers to join proceedings virtually, following the minority bloc’s walkout during Tuesday’s plenary session, May 26.

Marcoleta said the proposed change was simply an effort to modernize Senate operations and keep pace with evolving technology. He stressed that the motion was not newly introduced, noting that he had already brought it up as early as May 11.

The proposal seeks to allow senators to participate online under certain circumstances when physical attendance may not be possible. Marcoleta pointed to other existing systems that already accommodate remote participation, including online voting for overseas Filipinos and alternative voting arrangements recognized under the Corporation Code.

“Makikita nyo yung bagong technology at dahil sa ito’y dala na rin ng panahon, yun lang naman ang pakay noon (You can see the new technology, and since it comes with the times, that was really the only purpose),” he said.

Tensions escalated after minority senators questioned the majority’s move to discuss and vote on the proposal during plenary, eventually staging a walkout in protest.

Marcoleta also responded to criticism over remarks directed at Senator Risa Hontiveros during debates on the motion. Hontiveros had raised concerns over the procedural basis for taking up the proposal.

According to Marcoleta, he did not intend to offend the senator when he referenced her supposed lack of legal background, saying the discussion centered on differing interpretations of Senate rules.

“Sabi ko (I said) with no offense meant,” he said, adding that he was merely explaining the distinction lawyers make between general and special provisions in statutory interpretation.

He maintained that the disagreement stemmed from both sides relying on different readings of which Senate rule should govern the motion.

“I’m sorry na maaaring sa panig nila ay may nasaktan. Wala pong pakay na gano’n (I’m sorry if, on their side, someone may have been hurt. There was never any such intention),” he said.

Marcoleta likewise dismissed suspicions raised by the minority bloc that the amendment was being rushed to accommodate senators who might later face detention or legal complications.

During plenary debates, Senator Erwin Tulfo asked whether the proposal was being expedited because some majority senators could eventually need virtual participation if they were arrested and unable to physically attend Senate sessions.

Marcoleta denied the suggestion, insisting that the amendment was not crafted for any particular senator or situation. He added that several aspects of the proposal still needed further discussion, including what circumstances would qualify as “justifiable conditions” for remote attendance.