Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday said he will file a bill seeking to impose a “no work, no pay” policy on ranking government officials who are absent without valid or official reasons.
The proposed measure will cover the president, vice president, senators, members of Congress, cabinet secretaries, and department heads.
Sen. Tulfo said it is “embarrassing” that rank-and-file government and private sector employees forfeit pay when absent without notice, while high-ranking officials continue to receive full salaries and allowances despite extended absences.
The measure also seeks to strip allowances from officials who are absent without official leave.
“It has become a habit, and no one calls it out even if someone is absent but still receiving a salary. Because they are high-ranking officials, who would dare call us out?” Sen. Tulfo said.
“It should be equal—whether you are an ordinary employee or a high-ranking official, it should be no work, no pay for everyone,” he added.
Sen. Tulfo’s proposal comes amid public criticism over the prolonged absence of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who has been out of Senate sessions for months but has continued to receive salary and benefits.
Sen. Dela Rosa reportedly went into hiding on November 10 last year after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the International Criminal Court had issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with crimes against humanity cases filed against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He briefly resurfaced in the Senate on May 11, when he participated in a vote that installed Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President, replacing Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, before again leaving the premises days later.
Sen. Tulfo also cited Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who voluntarily waived his salary and allowances while facing cases before the Sandiganbayan. Estrada was arrested on June 1.
“I salute Senator Jinggoy because even without conviction, he chose not to receive salary while unable to attend Senate sessions. That is the right thing to do,” Tulfo said.