A leading organization of financial executives in the Philippines has urged the Senate to thoroughly study and consult widely on any proposal to allow lawmakers to vote electronically, warning that rushed changes could undermine transparency and public trust.
The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) issued the statement a day after a heated debate over Senator Rodante Marcoleta's plan to permit remote voting via teleconference led to a walkout by minority senators.
"Physical presence and direct participation in Senate proceedings remain important elements of accountability and transparency," Finex said.
The group emphasized that the Senate plays a critical constitutional role that benefits from in-person debate and visible engagement. "Any proposal to institutionalize electronic or remote voting should therefore undergo careful study, broad consultation, and clear safeguards to ensure that public trust, institutional integrity, and the quality of deliberation are preserved," Finex added.
Marcoleta's proposal emerged after Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who briefly appeared on May 11, again skipped sessions while avoiding an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Minority lawmakers criticized what they called the "railroading" of the rule changes.
Finex stressed that at a time when public confidence in institutions is fragile, the Senate must demonstrate credibility, impartiality, transparency, and respect for established procedures to uphold democratic integrity.