Financial execs warn against rushed Senate remote voting rules

MANILA, Philippines – Any attempt to change the Senate’s rules to allow lawmakers to vote electronically during sessions must undergo careful study and broad consultation, a group of financial executives said on Wednesday.

The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) made the call a day after heated debates over Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s proposal to allow senators to vote remotely via teleconference triggered a walkout by minority senators.

READ: Clash on Senate online voting ends in walkout

“Physical presence and direct participation in Senate proceedings remain important elements of accountability and transparency,” Finex said in a statement.

“The Senate plays a critical constitutional role that benefits from in-person debate, active engagement, and visible participation by its members,” it added.

Finex said, “Any proposal to institutionalize electronic or remote voting should therefore undergo careful study, broad consultation, and clear safeguards to ensure that public trust, institutional integrity, and the quality of deliberation are preserved.” 

Marcoleta’s proposal came as Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who briefly resurfaced on May 11, again skipped Senate sessions while avoiding an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

Lawmakers from the minority bloc slammed what they described as the “railroading” of the proposed rule changes.

Finex said the Senate must continue to demonstrate credibility by strictly adhering to its rules and established procedures, particularly at a time when public confidence in institutions remains fragile.

“At a time when public trust in institutions is critical, the Senate must continue to demonstrate credibility, impartiality, transparency, and respect for established processes,” it said. “These principles strengthen public confidence and uphold the integrity of democratic institutions.” /pai