THE office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives today said it is still finalizing an official report on the attendance record of its members.
“We have not released to anyone a complete and official record of attendance of all the members of the House of Representatives,” Secretary General Marilyn Barua-Yap said.
Based on an initial data revealed by Atty. Barua-Yap, there were 35 members who registered a clean 100% attendance record, including Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez.
“”I am praying for a little patience from interested parties requesting for said official attendance record,” she said, hinting that these documents may be posted on the official House website (www.congress.gov.ph) before the end of the day.
“I am hoping that all concerned would, in the future, refer to official issuance from the House Secretariat especially about records of members and other official vital documents and information,” Atty. Barua-Yap appealed.
The House official then cited Section 70 of the Rules of the House of Representatives relative to attendance in sessions.
“Section 70. Attendance in Sessions. – Every Member shall be present in all sessions of the House unless prevented from doing so by sickness or other unavoidable circumstances duly reported to the House through the Secretary General.”
“While the House is in session, the following shall be deemed present:
a. Members who are attending committee meetings as authorized by the Committee on Rules, in accordance with Section 35 hereof, upon written notification to the Secretary General by the concerned committee secretary;
b. Members who are attending meetings of the Commission on Appointments;
c. Members who are attending meetings of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal;
d. Members who are attending meetings of bicameral conference committees; and
e. Members who are on official mission as approved by the Speaker.”