NAGKAISA Chairperson Atty. Sonny Matula issued a stern reminder to the country’s legislators: “Hindi Zoom meeting ang Senado.”
“Kung magpapanday ng bahay, ang karpintero ay dapat nasa worksite. Kung magpapanday ng batas, ang mambabatas ay dapat nasa session hall — hindi sa taguan, bakasyon, o teleconference na mistulang palusot lamang,” Matula said.
The labor coalition chief emphasized that the Senate is a vital democratic institution, not a casual webinar or a private group chat.
Deliberating and passing laws that dictate the lives of millions of Filipino workers require actual physical presence, transparency, and the courage to face both peers and the public.
Normalizing Lawlessness
NAGKAISA warned that weaponizing remote attendance rules amid ongoing high-profile legal issues risks institutionalizing political privilege.
The Danger:
Allowing remote voting and virtual attendance under current circumstances will "normalize the evasion of lawful arrest and the abandonment of official duties" by officials facing serious criminal charges.
The Exception vs. The Abuse:
While online participation is acceptable during legitimate national crises—such as pandemics, natural disasters, or force majeure—Matula clarified that evading accountability and hiding from the law is not a force majeure.
Double Standards: Workers vs. Lawmakers
Matula pointed out a glaring double standard between ordinary working-class Filipinos and elite lawmakers. For ordinary workers, the strict rule of "no work, no pay" always applies, and any unexcused absences immediately result in disciplinary memos, suspensions, or outright termination.
In stark contrast, errant lawmakers continue to receive their full salaries and benefits from taxpayers' money. Instead of facing the consequences of their absences, these officials are seeking special rules that would essentially allow them a luxurious arrangement to "work from hiding" or "work from jail."
“Napakalaking insulto ito sa mga ordinaryong manggagawa na bumabangon araw-araw, bumabayad ng buwis, at sumusunod sa batas sa kabila ng hirap ng buhay," Matula stressed adding, "Kung ang simpleng factory worker o sibil na empleyado ay tinatanggal kapag nagtatago sa batas, bakit ang mambabatas ay binibigyan pa ng virtual red carpet?” Matula asked.
The labor coalition demands that the Senate leadership uphold the dignity of the chamber. NAGKAISA maintains that laws must not be crafted in the shadows of evasion, but in the clear light of physical presence and public accountability.
“Ang batas ay hindi dapat ipinapanday sa anino ng pag-iwas, kundi sa liwanag ng pananagutan.”
