The proposal to allow senators to vote online under valid reasons, filed by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, has sparked heated debate after minority members questioned the apparent rush in deliberations. The move has raised suspicions that it may favor some members of the majority bloc.
Conflict Erupts in the Senate
Senator Erwin Tulfo expressed anger over what he perceived as a hasty discussion of the motion. He strongly questioned his colleagues in the majority bloc, asking if there was a hidden agenda behind the push. Tulfo specifically pointed to the Office of the Ombudsman's announcement that it would file cases against several senators.
Plunder Cases Loom
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla formally declared that the agency would file plunder charges against Senator Jinggoy Estrada at the Sandiganbayan for alleged involvement in the multi-billion peso flood control scandal. Similarly, Senator Joel Villanueva is expected to face the same charges for his alleged participation in kickbacks from the project.
Meanwhile, Senator Rodante Marcoleta is under investigation for allegedly receiving PHP 75 million in campaign donations for his senatorial run during the 2025 elections. Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has also gone into hiding due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Marcoleta Defends Motion
Despite the controversies, Marcoleta insisted that his motion to allow senators to attend sessions and vote via teleconference is timely, given the advanced technology available today. He also cited the allowance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to vote online during elections, even while abroad.
Minority Opposition
The minority bloc strongly opposed the motion, arguing that the majority is not following Senate rules. Senator Risa Hontiveros noted that the discussion has not even reached the substance of the motion, yet there is a push to bring it to the plenary. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian maintained that teleconference is only allowed during a national emergency or pandemic, and therefore Senate rules should not be amended lightly.
It can be recalled that a similar situation occurred when former Senator Lila de Lima was imprisoned, and her allies requested that she be allowed to attend sessions online. However, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court rejected the request.
