By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Twelve senators have maintained perfect attendance since the Second Regular Session, which began on July 24, 2023.

Out of the 24 senators, those with perfect attendance include Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, as well as Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

Senators Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Risa Hontiveros, Robinhood Padilla, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Raffy Tulfo, and Cynthia Villar, also posted unblemished attendance.

Zubiri made the announcement and expressed his commitment to maintaining perfect attendance.

“In my years of public service, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: true leadership begins with consistent dedication to the people’s work,” Zubiri stated.

“Many of us demonstrate our commitment by consistently attending sessions. Public service is inherently rewarding, but we approach our duties understanding that our presence and voices echo the interests of the people,” he added.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senators criticized certain members of the House of Representatives for deeming Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 “unconstitutional” due to its proposed voting method.

The House of Representatives recently introduced RBH No. 7, similar to RBH 6, except that the lower house advocates for a “joint vote” between the House and Senate.

“Those four words ‘each House voting separately’ are not in the Constitution. Our colleagues in the Senate cannot and should not insist on that language… I am not a lawyer, but that is unconstitutional,” stated House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada emphasized the importance of separate voting for the Senate and the House.

“When you say Congress, there are both Houses, there are two Houses. The House of the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Okay?” remarked Estrada.

“In joint voting, we only have 24 members. We will be outnumbered by the congressmen,” he added.

Senator Win Gatchalian also criticized the allegations made by the congressman, stating that it was not fabricated by the Senate.

“It’s not made up because it’s very clear in the first hearing (on RBH6). Justice Villanueva stated that the intention is indeed bicameral… It might not be explicitly stated, but the intention is to vote through a bicameral system. So, that’s why the Senate included it,” explained Gatchalian.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

SENATORS have called on all concerned government agencies to ensure the protection of the Filipinos in Israel after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a deadly attack last Saturday.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Grace Poe have condemned the violence made in Israel.

“We call upon the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and other Philippine government agencies to secure our overseas Filipinos and ensure safe passage if necessary,” Zubiri said.

“We urge the full utilization of the Assistance to Nationals Fund for this purpose. I pray for all who are affected by this conflict- particularly the thousands of our Filipino brothers and sisters. May the LORD cover you all,” he added.

Poe, on her part, said that the safety of the Filipinos should be the top priority of the government.

“The safety of Filipinos in conflict-stricken Israel is of primordial concern. Concerned government agencies must ensure that our kababayan, especially those living near the battle zones, are moved to secure shelters or halfway houses,” Poe said.

“Repatriation should be calibrated for those who want to go home while the borders are still open […] As we hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, we have to act with dispatch so that no Filipinos will be included in the count of casualties,” she added.

With rocket fire and the deployment of armed men into numerous Israeli communities, Hamas began its most significant strike on Israel in years on Saturday. Israel suffered at least 22 fatalities.

(ai/mnm)