MANILA — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta defended his proposal to amend Senate rules to allow remote participation in sessions, insisting the move is in step with modern technology and should not be interpreted as a special accommodation for senators facing possible detention or legal troubles.
The proposal drew renewed scrutiny following concerns that senators under investigation or possible arrest could still participate in Senate proceedings virtually, particularly amid issues surrounding Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and the International Criminal Court (ICC) case tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Marcoleta, however, maintained that the proposal merely reflects evolving digital practices already adopted in government and private institutions.
“Sa ilalim ng bagong mga teknolohiya ngayon, maski yung ating corporation code, alam mo, pinapayagan na rin yung mga alternative ways of voting. Isa kasi malayo yung tao, ganito-ganyan. So, hindi siya special na bagay,” Marcoleta said.
He pointed out that even the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has adopted internet-based systems for overseas voting.
“Dahil sa napakarami na ng mga instances na pupwede na ang taong wala rito, ang overseas, tingnan mo, pinayagan na ng Comelec na makaboto sila itong internet. So makikita niyo yung bagong technology at dahil sa ito’y dalang na rin ng panahon,” he said.
Marcoleta also rejected accusations that the measure was being rushed through the Senate, saying he first raised the proposal weeks earlier.
“Kung maaalala ninyo, May 11 pa, na-motion ko na iyon. So (on Tuesday night) sinabi ko, I am just reiterating a previous motion that will not even require one day,” he said.
Debate over the proposal intensified after senators from the minority bloc walked out before discussions could proceed.
According to Marcoleta, the initial plan was only to vote on whether the proposal should formally be taken up for deliberation.
“Pagbobotohan lang muna sana namin para ma-take up namin. So nag-propose si Senate President na magbotohan para ma-take up lang para sa gano’n kung kailangan ko pang tumayo para i-defend ang motion. Hindi nga po napunta na roon eh. Bigla na silang nag-walk out. Wala kaming pag-uusapan talaga,” he said.
Marcoleta likewise brushed aside allegations that the majority bloc wanted the rule amended to protect allies who could soon face legal action.
“Yan ang iniisip niya. Kaya ba, kaya ba, ayaw niya rin madaliin namin? Dahil gusto niya may nakulong? Ganun ba? Because that argument can cut both ways,” Marcoleta said.
“So, parang parang, tuwang-tuwa ba siya na mayroong makulong sa amin na hindi namin magamit yun? Kung talaga nagmamalasakit ka at we are all here in one institution,” he added.
Under existing Senate rules, virtual or online sessions are allowed only during force majeure events or national emergencies approved by a majority of senators.
Marcoleta initially pushed for the amendment after dela Rosa resurfaced following months out of public view amid reports that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant against him.
The issue resurfaced anew Tuesday after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced plans to file charges against Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva over the flood control controversy, raising questions about how possible legal proceedings could affect attendance and participation in Senate sessions./PN
