‘No work, no pay’ eyed for Congress

A BILL seeking to impose a “no work, no pay” scheme for absentee lawmakers was filed at the House of Representatives last week.

Filed on Jan. 27, House Bill No. 7432 proposes linking the salaries and benefits of senators and congressmen to their attendance and participation in committee hearings and plenary sessions, aiming to ensure public funds allocated for their pay are not wasted.

“The principle of ‘no work, no pay’ is a general labor standard applied to workers across the country,” House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos III said in a statement.

“However, Members of Congress, who are entrusted with the responsibility of crafting laws and representing the people, are currently compensated regardless of attendance or participation,” he added.

Lawmakers earn around P290,000 to P330,000 per month.

“Unexcused absences will result in forfeiture of compensation, while valid absences are recognized, including illness certified by a licensed physician, authorized official representation, official travel or mission approved by chamber leadership, and approved leaves of absence,” said Mr. Marcos. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio