MANILA— Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has filed a resolution seeking to establish clear procedures for addressing prolonged unauthorized absences among senators, citing gaps in existing chamber rules on possible sanctions.

In a news release Wednesday, Sotto said Senate Resolution No. 751 urges the Senate Committee on Rules to develop mechanisms for dealing with extended absences that prevent lawmakers from performing their legislative responsibilities.

The resolution cited the need to strengthen accountability among elected officials whose salaries and allowances are funded by taxpayers.

“There is a policy gap as regards the possible sanction on a member of the Senate with prolonged unauthorized absence rendering them unable to participate in major legislative functions,” the resolution read.

Sotto said prolonged absenteeism has become a public concern, noting that several complaints involving the matter have already been lodged before the Senate Committee on Ethics.

“Such absenteeism and neglect of duty is deemed a waste of taxpayer funds and has caused public clamor over the past months,” the resolution stated.

However, he pointed out that current Senate rules do not contain specific provisions governing the resolution of complaints involving prolonged unauthorized absences.

The proposed measure seeks a review of the chamber’s internal regulations to establish appropriate mechanisms for addressing absenteeism while ensuring that senators fulfill their constitutional duties.

Sotto also cited the constitutional principle that public office is a public trust, stressing that elected officials are accountable to the people they serve.

Senate Resolution No. 751 does not specify penalties for absentee lawmakers but recommends that the Committee on Rules study the issue and institutionalize procedures for handling such cases.

Sotto said the measure aims to uphold the “highest standards of public service commensurate to the trust reposed by the electorate.” (PNA)