Senators wear impeachment robes as the Senate convenes as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, May 18, 2026. Duterte faces allegations of misusing confidential funds, amassing unexplained wealth, bribing officials of the Department of Education, and issuing threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines – A coalition of business and civil society groups on Friday warned that a proposed rule allowing senators to participate and vote remotely could undermine the Senate’s legitimacy.
In a statement, the Justice Reform Initiative (JRI) said changing Senate rules to allow remote attendance raises constitutional questions that could ultimately weaken public trust in the chamber.
“A Senate perceived as allowing its rules to be shaped by political circumstance weakens its own claim to govern under the rule of law,” said the coalition, which includes the Management Association of the Philippines and the American and European Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines.
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