House tightens up on attendance

The House leadership is improving its attendance records to reflect the actual number of representatives present on the floor in view of the rising number of members going on indefinite leave.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said he has ordered the House Secretary-General to add “a new column” on the daily attendance sheet to list down those who were actually in the session hall.

“Under our rules, anybody who is on official leave is still considered present even if they are not in the session. But in all fairness and for everybody’s peace of mind, we should add another column to indicate those who are physically present on the floor,” said Belmonte in an interview.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga said that most members support Belmonte’s proposal.

“This will ensure attendance in the sessions and embarrass the chronic absentees,” said Barzaga in a text message.

Belmonte was responding to a question on former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s status in the House as she has remained on official leave since being rushed to a hospital three months ago for serious neck problems.

Her brother-in-law, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, also went on official leave recently reportedly to have a medical check-up in London. The lawmaker said he has already reported back to duty.

Since taking over the leadership in the opening of the 15th Congress last year, attendance in the House has vastly improved as Belmonte has put a premium on physical presence to ensure passage of critical bills with a quorum every session day.