According to House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, the “no work, no pay” scheme implemented in the private sector should also be a policy in Congress. This aims to ensure that every member of the legislature actively works before receiving their salary.
Last year, Rep. Marcos filed House Bill 7432 to make this scheme official for all members of Congress. According to him, not only Congress should comply but all branches of government.
"In the private sector, if you don't show up for work, your salary will be deducted. It should be the same in Congress and other branches of government," said Marcos.
The congressman explained that the bill is not targeting anyone, but a step to ensure transparency and accountability in the legislature. He also criticized incidents of absenteeism in committee hearings and floor debates.
“The more debate on legislation, the better the quality of the bills,” Marcos added.
At the same time, Marcos also defended his proposed abolition of the travel tax, following the statement of DOT Secretary Christina Frasco about its benefits to Filipinos. She mentioned that TIEZA has an “abysmal reputation” when it comes to absorptive capacity, and that the use of funds from the travel tax is not very effective.
He said the economic multiplier effect would be higher if the travel tax were eliminated than if the funds were distributed to TIEZA projects that have less impact. DOF Secretary Frederick Go also assured that they will look for alternative funding for higher education programs currently funded by the travel tax.
Finally, Marcos also contacted Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri to be his counterpart in the Senate for the same bill. They aim to include the bill in the LEDAC priorities and ensure its passage as soon as possible.
