A coalition of business and civil society groups has raised alarm that a proposed Senate rule change allowing remote participation and voting could erode the chamber's legitimacy.
The Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), whose members include the Management Association of the Philippines and the American and European Chambers of Commerce, issued a statement Friday warning that altering Senate rules to permit remote attendance raises constitutional concerns that may weaken public trust.
"A Senate perceived as allowing its rules to be shaped by political circumstance weakens its own claim to govern under the rule of law," the group said.
The coalition stressed that any procedural change must follow proper legislative process, undergo thorough deliberation, and be grounded in clear constitutional authority—not be driven by the urgent needs of individual senators.
JRI pointed out that the timing of the proposed change has sparked questions about its true purpose, suggesting it may be tailored to accommodate specific situations rather than serve the institution's long-term integrity.
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