The Senate will resume its regular session on May 4 despite the extension of the enhanced community quarantine in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said they have to convene for the pending bills since Congress has been on a break since March 12.
Senate Minority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri disclosed 15 senators have agreed to amend the filed resolution “to allow hybrid type of sessions” where members may attend the Senate session hall or may tune in from their homes.
“I believe it’s unanimous with all our members both the Majority and Minority supporting this modified video conferencing,” Zubiri said.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa who is a co-author of the resolution explained that hybrid sessions are more doable but can turn to physical attendance in cases of national emergencies.
Senator Francis Tolentino supported the move and cited its similarity to the British Parliament “as it will combine both in person attendance and videoconferencing to accommodate traditional rules as well as the health concerns and safety of the Senators and staff members.” – Report from Eunice Samonte
