MANILA, Philippines — Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos has filed a bill in the House of Representatives that would implement a “no work, no pay” policy for members of Congress.
The draft measure, which was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday, February 2, 2026, aims to address long-standing public criticism regarding absenteeism in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Key Provisions of the Bill Under the proposed legislation, lawmakers would only receive compensation for days they are physically present and actively performing official legislative duties.
- Defined Duties: Performance of duty is defined as attendance in plenary sessions, participation in committee hearings, and engagement in other official activities authorized by leadership.
- Valid Exceptions: Lawmakers will not be penalized if their absence is due to:
- Illness (certified by a licensed physician).
- Official travel authorized by the Senate President or House Speaker.
- Approved leaves of absence.
- Public Disclosure: The bill mandates the publication of attendance records to ensure transparency and allow for public oversight.
Rationale for Reform In his explanatory note, Sandro Marcos—who also serves as the House Majority Leader—argued that members of Congress should be held to the same labor standards as the private sector.
- Accountability: “The principle of ‘no work, no pay’ is a general labor standard applied to workers across the country… This [absence] has led to public concern over absenteeism, lack of accountability, and wastage of taxpayer funds,” Marcos stated.
- Constitutional Basis: Addressing potential legal challenges, Marcos cited Section 10 of Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, which states that salaries for Senators and House members “shall be determined by law,” thereby granting Congress the authority to regulate its own compensation.
Political Context The filing of the bill comes at a time when Congress is under intense scrutiny due to various political controversies, including ongoing impeachment proceedings against high-ranking officials. By proposing this measure, Marcos is positioning himself at the forefront of legislative reform focused on professionalism and fiscal responsibility.
The bill’s referral to the Appropriations Committee marks the beginning of the formal legislative process. If passed, it would represent a significant shift in the compensation structure for the country’s most powerful elected officials.