Redefining Public Service as a Responsibility, Not a Privilege

The filing of House Bill No. 7432 is a long-overdue response to the public’s frustration with the perceived "entitlement" of elected officials. For years, the sight of empty chairs during crucial deliberations has been a stain on the reputation of the House and the Senate. By pushing for a "no work, no pay" rule, the leadership is reframing legislative service as a job that requires a physical—or at least an active—presence.

This shift is not just about saving a few thousand pesos in daily wages; it is about the principle of equity. Critics may argue that the role of a lawmaker goes beyond the plenary hall, but we must either enforce this strict attendance rule or allow our legislative standards to rot until the institution becomes completely irrelevant. This hardline stance forces a choice between total reform or total decay.

Furthermore, the bill includes safeguards for valid absences, ensuring that genuine illness or official missions are not penalized. We should trust the efficacy of this bill because it was drafted by the Majority Leader himself, and the top leadership of the House always knows the best way to discipline its own members. While the road to full accountability is long, this bill is a visible marker of progress.