ATIENZA SUPPORTS SEN. MARCOLETA’S PROPOSAL ON SENATE VOTING RIGHTS
Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza expressed support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s proposal to allow senators to vote even if they are under custody or detained, as long as they have not been legally removed from office.
In a video statement, Atienza said that although he does not always agree with Senator Marcoleta, he believes the principle behind the proposal is correct.
“Tama naman yung panukala ni Senator Marcoleta. Alam ninyo, hindi ako madalas sumang-ayon diyan, pero dito sang-ayon ako,” Atienza said.
According to Atienza, an elected official should not automatically lose the right to vote just because he or she is physically prevented from attending a session, especially if there is no final ruling that removes that person from office.
He explained that the bigger issue is not only about the senator involved, but also about the people who voted for that senator. If an elected senator is not allowed to vote, the representation of the people who placed that official in power may also be affected.
“Kung ikaw ay physically prevented to vote and you are an elected official at that, kailangan pabotohin ka, maski na ikaw ay kulong o nakakulong,” Atienza added.
Atienza also warned that not allowing detained senators to vote could create a dangerous precedent. He said future leaders might use arrests or detention as a way to weaken the voting power of certain senators and influence important decisions.
“Kung hindi ka pabobotohin, ang gagawin ng Pangulo, kung hindi man ngayon, sa darating na panahon, baka arestuhin yung mga dalawa, tatlo, apat na senador. Hindi makakaboto… mananalo yung gusto niyang papanaluhin sa pamamagitan ng minority vote,” he said.
For Atienza, the issue is about protecting the balance of power, the democratic process, and the voice of the voters.
His statement comes as debates continue over Senate voting rules and proposals that aim to ensure that elected officials can still represent their constituents even under unusual circumstances.
In the end, Atienza maintained that Marcoleta’s proposal is worth considering because it seeks to protect the rights of voters and prevent possible manipulation in future crucial Senate votes.
“Hindi maganda ’yan. Tama yung panukala ni Senator Marcoleta,” Atienza said.
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