No Work, No Pay at Congress: A Bold Bill Aims to End Absenteeism and Restore Accountability in Philippine Lawmaking

In a move that has ignited widespread public discussion and renewed hope for accountability in governance, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos has filed a groundbreaking legislative proposal that strikes at a long-standing frustration among Filipino taxpayers: lawmakers who fail to show up for work still getting paid.

The proposed measure, formally known as House Bill No. 7432, carries a title that is as direct as its intent — the “No Work, No Pay Act for Members of Congress.” At its core, the bill seeks to ensure that elected officials are held to the same standards as ordinary Filipino workers, many of whom face salary deductions or penalties for even a single day of absence.

For many citizens, the proposal feels long overdue.

A Simple Principle, A Powerful Message

The idea behind the bill is straightforward:
👉 If you do not work, you do not get paid.

This principle governs the lives of millions of Filipinos — factory workers, teachers, office employees, drivers, nurses, and laborers — who must clock in, perform their duties, and account for absences. For them, attendance is not optional. Missing work means losing income.

House Bill No. 7432 asks a compelling question:
Why should lawmakers be exempt from this basic rule?

If ordinary workers are penalized for absenteeism, then public officials who are paid using taxpayers’ money should be held to at least the same standard — if not higher.

Who Does the Bill Cover? Everyone

One of the most striking aspects of the proposal is its scope.

The bill does not target just one chamber or one group. Instead, it covers:

Members of the House of Representatives
Members of the Senate

In other words, both congressmen and senators would be subject to salary deductions if they fail to attend:

Plenary sessions
Committee hearings
Official legislative proceedings

This universal application sends a strong signal: no one is above accountability.

Ending a Culture of Chronic Absences

For years, the public has voiced frustration over reports of lawmakers who:

Frequently skip plenary sessions
Miss committee hearings without valid reasons
Spend extended periods traveling abroad
Remain unaccounted for during crucial legislative debates

Under the proposed law, such practices would no longer be brushed aside.

The bill aims to eliminate habitual absenteeism, particularly cases where legislators:

Are absent without official leave
Provide vague or unverifiable excuses
Fail to prioritize legislative duties

The message is clear: being elected is not a license to disappear.

No More “Extended Trips” Without Consequences

One of the most controversial issues addressed by the bill involves excessive travel.

Over the years, there have been instances where lawmakers were reported to be:

Traveling overseas for extended periods
Attending non-legislative events
Absent from Congress for more than 100 days

While official travel may sometimes be necessary, the bill seeks to draw a firm line between legitimate duties and unjustified absences.

If a lawmaker chooses to prioritize travel over legislative work — they should not be paid for the days they do not serve.

Taxpayers Deserve Better

At the heart of House Bill No. 7432 is a deeply moral argument:
The salaries of lawmakers come from the people.

Every peso paid to members of Congress is drawn from:

Income taxes
Value-added taxes
Fuel taxes
Contributions made by hardworking Filipinos

For minimum-wage earners who carefully budget every peso, the idea of lawmakers receiving full pay despite repeated absences feels unjust.

The bill acknowledges this reality and reinforces a fundamental democratic truth:

Public office is a public trust.

Lawmakers are not employees of political parties or personal interests — they are servants of the people.

Equal Standards for All Workers

Supporters of the bill have been quick to point out the glaring double standard that currently exists.

In the private sector:

Employees face salary deductions for absences
Repeated no-shows can lead to termination
Performance is closely monitored

In the public sector — especially in Congress — attendance rules have often lacked strict enforcement.

House Bill No. 7432 seeks to correct this imbalance by applying a rule familiar to all Filipinos:

No attendance, no compensation.

Restoring Discipline and Professionalism in Congress

Beyond salary deductions, the proposed law aims to cultivate a culture of discipline, professionalism, and responsibility within Congress.

By tying compensation directly to attendance:

Lawmakers are encouraged to prioritize sessions
Committee work gains renewed importance
Legislative productivity is expected to improve

Supporters believe this will result in:

Better-prepared legislators
More meaningful debates
Faster progress on critical bills

In short, Congress works better when lawmakers actually show up.

Public Reaction: Hope, Approval, and Renewed Trust

Since news of the bill emerged, public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

Many citizens see it as:

A rare act of political courage
A step toward fairness
Proof that reform is possible

Social media discussions reflect a shared sentiment:

“If we lose pay for missing work, why shouldn’t they?”

For a public weary of corruption scandals and inefficiency, the proposal offers a refreshing sense of justice.

A Wake-Up Call for Elected Officials

The bill serves not only as a policy proposal but also as a wake-up call.

It reminds lawmakers that:

Their positions are privileges, not entitlements
Their time belongs to the people
Their performance is subject to scrutiny

Attendance is not a minor technicality — it is the most basic measure of commitment.

Transparency and Accountability Go Hand in Hand

If enacted, the law would also require clearer systems for:

Recording attendance
Reporting absences
Justifying official leave

This increased transparency would allow the public to better monitor their representatives and evaluate whether they are truly earning their salaries.

A Symbol of a Changing Political Climate

While House Bill No. 7432 alone will not solve all governance issues, many see it as a symbol of a shifting political mindset — one that places:

Responsibility over privilege
Service over status
Accountability over excuses

It represents an attempt to align leadership behavior with the values expected of ordinary citizens.

The Road Ahead

As with any proposed legislation, the bill will face:

Debates
Committee reviews
Possible amendments

Critics may argue about flexibility, exemptions, or implementation details. However, the core principle remains difficult to oppose:

Public servants must serve.

Conclusion: A Bill That Reflects the People’s Voice

House Bill No. 7432 resonates because it echoes what millions of Filipinos already believe.

In a country where:

Workers sacrifice daily
Families stretch limited incomes
Taxes are paid with effort and discipline

It is only fair that lawmakers earn every peso they receive.

The “No Work, No Pay” proposal is more than a bill — it is a statement of respect for the Filipino people and a call for integrity in public service.

Whether it becomes law or not, it has already achieved something important:
It has reminded everyone that accountability is not optional — even at the highest levels of government.

And for many Filipinos, that reminder alone is worth celebrating. 🇵🇭✨