President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.expressed his opposition to allowing senators to vote remotely in the Senate.Speaking during a press conference in Japan on May 29, 2026, he emphasized that he sees no valid reason for permitting teleconferencing in Senate sessions at this time.The statement came in response to a proposal earlier in the week that aimed to allow senators, particularly Sen.Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, to vote online.

Marcos specifically highlighted that the remote voting plan seems intended to benefit Dela Rosa, who is currently a fugitive facing an ICC arrest warrant and is being sought by police and Interpol.The President said that Dela Rosa should appear physically in the Senate if he wants to participate and vote.The proposal was pushed by Sen.Rodante Marcoleta and supported by the minority bloc, including Sen.

Robin Padilla, who argued that international tensions and natural events like La Niña could be considered force majeure to justify remote participation.However, senators from the majority bloc, including Sen.

Panfilo Lacson, dismissed these arguments, asserting that they do not meet the current Senate rules for remote participation, which only allow teleconferencing in cases of force majeure or national emergency.

The discussion led to a walkout and heightened tensions within the Senate, highlighting ongoing disputes over rule amendments and the legal status of certain senators.