SB, 34 others post perfect attendance

MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led yesterday 34 lawmakers who posted perfect attendance at the House of Representatives during the second regular session of the 15th Congress.

Based on records furnished by House secretary-general Marilyn Barua-Yap, some 21 lawmakers were listed as having low attendance in plenary sessions, including former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

There are a total of 52 session days in the second regular session that opened on July 25, 2011 and adjourned last June 6. The House has 285 members.

Among those who participated in all 52 plenary sessions were Reps. Emmeline Aglipay of DIWA party-list, Leopoldo Bataoil of Pangasinan, Diosdado Arroyo of Camarines Sur, Mitzi Cajayon of Caloocan, Jane Castro of Capiz, Jesus Celeste of Pangasinan, Enrique Cojuangco of Tarlac, Simeon Datumanong of Maguindanao, Rachel del Mar of Cebu, Erico Basilio Fabian of Zamboanga City, Salvio Fortuno of Camarines Sur, Albert Garcia of Bataan, Roilo Golez of Parañaque, Neptali Gonzales II of Mandaluyong, Agapito Guanlao of BUTIL, Ted Haresco Jr. of Ang Kasangga, David Kho of Senior Citizens, Antonio Lagdameo Jr. of Davao del Norte, Edcel Lagman of Albay, Isidro Lico of Ating Koop, Eleandro Jesus Madrona of Romblon, Reena Obillo of Una Ang Pamilya, Angelo Palmones of Agham, Elmer Panotes of Camarines Norte, Jesus Paras of Bukidnon, Deogracias Ramos Jr. of Sorsogon, Herminia Roman of Bataan, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of Leyte, Pedro Romualdo of Camiguin, Nur-Ana Sahidulla, Cesar Sarmiento of Catanduanes, and Baby Aline Vargas-Alfonso.

Arroyo’s 33 absences were due to her prolonged hospitalization in July to August and subsequent arrest and detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City last November.

Pacquiao was able to attend only 31 session days due to his international bouts and training. He, however, earlier said he was not remiss in his duties and was among the prime movers of the anti-trafficking law.

Other House members with many absences include Reps. Carmelo Lazatin, Julio Ledesma, Juan Miguel Arroyo, Raymond Mendoza, and Augusto Syjuco.