HOUSE Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos declined to comment on Wednesday, February 4, when asked about Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s presence in the plenary session, following media reports on his proposed “No Work, No Pay” bill.
“It hasn’t been passed—gumagana na,” Marcos said, before adding: “No comment na lang.”
Marcos stressed that the proposal does not target any specific individual and is meant to strengthen the legislative institution.
“I’m not singling anyone out. I think this is just the right step forward for the legislature as an institution,” he said, amid questions linking the bill to reports of Senate absenteeism.
He said there have been cases of lawmakers missing committee hearings and floor debates, adding that broader participation leads to better legislation.
Members of the House Young Guns bloc expressed support for the measure.
House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said the bill ensures fairness, noting that lawmakers are paid using public funds.
“This bill simply ensures that public money is spent only when public work is done,” Ortega said.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said lawmakers should be held to the same standards as ordinary workers, while Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun said the measure promotes discipline without restricting legitimate legislative work.
House Deputy Majority Leader Rodge Gutierrez said the proposal falls within Congress’ constitutional authority.
Under House Bill 7432, salaries and allowances of senators and congressmen will be linked to attendance in plenary sessions, committee hearings, and other official legislative duties.
