For over two years under the persisting Covid-19 pandemic, members of the House of Representatives have been allowed to attend plenary sessions and vote on the passage of bills through virtual means.
But that could change soon based on the remarks of independent minority solon, Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman.
"Itong hybrid (mixed physical and virtual sesisons) ito ay during the pandemic, kasasagan ng pandemic. Eh ngayon severity ng pandemic wala na kaya palagay ko kailangan ng face-to-face legislation (This hybrid sessions were the result of the pandemic, during the height of the pandemic. But now the severity of the pandemic is gone, so I think we need face-to-face legislation)," Lagman told reporters.
He pointed to the situation in classrooms nationwide as well as the upper chamber in justifying his proposal.
"Face-to-face classes na nga eh. Sa Senate wala nang hybrid, physical presence na ang quorum at voting kaya yan ang aking sinangguni sa liderato (Face-to-face classes are back already. There are no more hybrid sessions in the Senate, quorum is through physical presence that that's what I suggested to the leadership)," Lagman said.
Lagman, a former minority leader, has consistently questioned the quorum in the House plenary this 19th Congress whenever the majority tries to pass a national bill of great import. A quorum in the House requires at least 156 representatives or congressmen.
The Bicol solon had previous blocked the voting on third and final reading of the SIM Card Registration Bill and the measure postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections for one year. On both occasions, there was a quorum but only if both physical and virtual attendance of solons were counted.
During the Tuesday. Sept. 20 plenary session, Lagman manifested the following: “It was our understanding yesterday that this bill (postponement of barangay and SK polls) will not be called on third reading without the physical presence of the members of the House.
"I am now relenting on that on the condition that when we come back from the Halloween break we are going to repeal the provision allowing virtual presence and voting or a hybrid system,” Lagman said.
He was referring to the recess in both the House and Senate from Oct. 1 to Nov. 6, 2022.
“We have already face-to-face classes I think we should have face-to-face legislation,” reiterated Lagman.
His manifestation drew a positive response from Deputy Majority Leader Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin, who replied, "We assure him that the Committee on Rules will look into his proposal.”
Later, Garin admitted that dropping hybrid sessions in favor of full face-to-face sessions would be good for the economy as it would show everyone that the legislature is "back to normal".
"This would also strengthen our country's recovery from the pandemic," Garin noted.