By MANILA, Philippines – Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Friday said the House of Representatives’ emergency-based remote voting mechanism, which is limited to emergencies and official functions, cannot be fairly equated with proposals seeking expanded virtual participation in Senate sessions ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Ortega noted that the House’s remote voting mechanism has long been governed by specific and narrowly tailored rules that have been in place since the 18th Congress, when the COVID-19 pandemic compelled the House to adopt alternative modes of participation to ensure continuity of legislative work.
“The House framework was crafted as a practical and limited mechanism during extraordinary circumstances, and it has been applied under defined parameters during the pandemic period,” Ortega said.
