A House leader warned that proposals to allow remote participation and voting in the Senate during impeachment proceedings could send the wrong message to young Filipinos about duty, accountability, and public service.
Deputy Speaker and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun raised the concern amid debates in the Senate over possible rules allowing senators to join sessions remotely, including in proceedings tied to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Anong klaseng halimbawa po ang ipinapakita natin sa kabataan kung puwedeng hindi ka sumipot sa trabaho, hindi ka humarap sa tungkulin, pero puwede ka pa ring bumoto at makilahok sa napakahalagang proseso ng impeachment?” he said.
“Puwede bang tuloy ang suweldo kahit absent basta malakas ka sa boss? Iyan ang tanong ngayon ng ordinaryong Pilipino,” he added.
The issue has stirred tension in the Senate, where proposals to expand remote participation rules triggered a walkout by several minority senators. Critics have raised concern that the move could benefit officials who may be unable to physically attend because of detention or other legal troubles.
The lawmaker said an impeachment trial is not a routine legislative session but a constitutional process that demands full attention, personal accountability, and direct participation from senator-judges.
“Kapag impeachment trial, hindi ito Zoom meeting. Hindi ito online class na puwedeng mag-login lang tapos okay na,” he said.
He said Filipinos expect senator-judges to personally hear witnesses, examine evidence, observe credibility, and carry out their constitutional responsibilities with seriousness and integrity.
The House official warned that relaxing the rules for convenience or political accommodation could damage public confidence in the impeachment process and weaken trust in democratic institutions.
“Sa kabataan natin, malinaw dapat ang mensahe: public office is responsibility, not privilege. Kapag may tungkulin ka, dapat humarap ka. Hindi puwedeng selective ang accountability,” he said.
He added that many young Filipinos already see double standards in government, where ordinary citizens face consequences for absence or failure to report to work while powerful officials may be given special arrangements.
“Ordinaryong estudyante, empleyado, manggagawa, kapag absent, may consequence. Pero kapag makapangyarihan, puwedeng gumawa ng espesyal na rules? Delikado pong precedent iyan,” he lamented.
The House leader clarified that his criticism was not directed at any individual senator but at the broader institutional impact of changing long-standing rules during a sensitive constitutional proceeding.
“Mas malaki ito kaysa politika. Ang nakataya rito ay tiwala ng publiko sa ating mga institusyon at ang values na ipinapasa natin sa susunod na henerasyon,” he said.