Beejay Balagbis Posted on June 23, 2026 at 11:30 pm
Let’s talk plain and simple: When a senator is accused of grave crimes like Crimes against Humanity or Plunder – or is on the run from authorities – letting them join Senate sessions or cast votes online just doesn’t make sense. It goes against everything we know about fairness, accountability, and how our government is supposed to work.
To start with, our Constitution and Senate rules are clear: you have to be physically present to take part or vote. Remote attendance was only ever meant for emergencies, like when the pandemic made it impossible to meet in person. It was never designed as a way for members facing legal trouble to keep doing business as usual. This isn’t about picking on anyone – it’s about following the rules that apply to everyone.
Think about the crimes we’re talking about here. Crimes against Humanity affect countless people, while Plunder means stealing massive amounts of public money meant to build schools, roads, and hospitals for all of us. These aren’t small mistakes or minor violations – they’re acts that betray the public’s trust and hurt our entire country. If we let senators accused of these things log on and vote like nothing’s wrong, we’re basically saying these crimes don’t matter. That’s not right, and it doesn’t respect the people who put their faith in their leaders.
Then there’s the issue of detention or being a fugitive. If a court has ordered someone locked up while their case is being heard, that means their liberty is restricted for good reason. Letting them participate online would just get around that court order, making detention seem like nothing more than a technicality. And for those who are on the run, who’ve ignored the law and evaded arrest? Allowing them to take part in Senate business would reward them for breaking the rules, turning the whole idea of “rule of law” into a joke.
We’ve been down this road before. Senators Sonny Trillanes and Leila de Lima were in detention for years, and they weren’t allowed to join sessions remotely. But even so, they found ways to do their jobs – submitting bills in writing and staying engaged with their work despite the hardship. If they had to follow the rules, then everyone should. Making special exceptions now for certain senators would create a double standard, where some get privileges others don’t. That would tear apart the integrity of the Senate as an institution. We say we’re a government of laws, not people – so no one should get a pass just because of their title or position.\
Finally, the Senate is supposed to be a place where people come together to talk, debate, and make decisions face-to-face. You can’t claim the right to govern the country while you’re avoiding the consequences of your actions. Power and responsibility go hand in hand – if you want to help shape our laws and lead our nation, you have to be willing to stand accountable for what you’ve done.
\At the end of the day, this isn’t about politics or picking sides. It’s about making sure our leaders act with the respect and accountability we deserve. When serious charges are hanging over someone’s head, or when they’ve run from the law, letting them participate online isn’t just wrong – it sends the message that some people are above the rules. And in a country like ours, that’s a message we can’t afford to send.
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