Sandro bill seeks no work, no pay in Congress

MANILA, Philippines — Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos has filed a bill imposing a “no work, no pay” scheme in Congress to address absenteeism, strengthen accountability and protect public funds.

In House Bill 7432, salaries and other emoluments of senators and representatives would be tied to their attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings and other official legislative duties.

“The principle of ‘no work, no pay’ is a general labor standard applied to workers across the country. However, members of Congress, who are entrusted with the responsibility of crafting laws and representing the people, are currently compensated regardless of attendance or participation,” Marcos wrote in the bill’s explanatory note.

This practice has fueled public concern “over absenteeism, lack of accountability and wastage of taxpayer funds,” he noted.

Per the proposed “No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act,” unexcused absences will result in forfeiture of compensation.

Valid absences will be recognized, including illnesses certified by a licensed physician, authorized official representation, official travel or mission approved by chamber leadership and approved leaves of absence.

Lawmakers will be deemed present when attending authorized committee meetings, sessions of the Commission on Appointments, the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, bicameral conference committees and official missions approved by the Speaker.

Daily attendance monitoring by the secretariats of both chambers will be mandated. Attendance records will be publicly accessible, with compensation released only on the basis of verified presence. — Alexis Romero