Tokyo: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed his opposition to proposals that would allow online voting in the Senate plenary, asserting that there is no valid basis for such a plan under normal circumstances. Marcos emphasized that remote voting was only justifiable during the Covid-19 pandemic, when in-person sessions of Congress were restricted due to health risks.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted that the unique conditions of the pandemic no longer exist, removing the necessity for online voting. In a media interview in Tokyo, Japan, he stated, "I disagree with that," when questioned about the proposal. He acknowledged the necessity for remote voting during the pandemic but dismissed its relevance in the current context, saying, "I do not see any particularly good reason for us to allow that now."

Marcos underscored the importance of physical presence during Senate votes as per tradition, cautioning that accountability, transparency, and proper legislative procedures could be compromised with an online approach. He also expressed concerns over the implications of allowing absentee participation for lawmakers facing legal challenges.

The President referenced that the proposal might have been made to benefit Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is currently evading an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with crimes against humanity linked to drug war deaths during the Duterte administration. Marcos reiterated the necessity of adhering to established rules and procedures, stating, "The long-standing tradition of the Senate is that if you are not physically present on the floor when a vote is taken, that you cannot in fact vote." He concluded by reaffirming that the health and safety concerns that justified remote voting during the pandemic are no longer present.