MANILA, Philippines – Close to 100 congressmen or about a third of the members of the House of Representatives missed their 1st day back at work after a 6-week break.
When the roll was called around 4:45 p.m., only 194 of the 285 congressmen responded, leaving about 91 absent.
It could not be determined yet who among the 91 absent lawmakers attended the boxing match of Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila).
The roll was called sometime in the middle of the session. Upon resumption of session at 4 p.m., a break was called after the opening prayer, then the House sound system sounded the chime that signaled lawmakers to proceed to the session hall.
House Speaker Sonny Belmonte presided over the start of the session. In his preliminary remarks, he lauded Pacquiao for his latest victory, saying the House is now having a hard time thinking of how else to honor the Mindanao lawmaker at the rate he is winning.
The House of Representatives awarded Pacquiao a Congressional Medal of Distinction after conquering Antonio Margarito last November.
Belmonte, meanwhile, lauded Pacquiao for promising to work to end poverty and promote national unity.
He also thanked the would-be prosecutors of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez for sacrificing their summer vacation to prepare for the trial that should have commenced today had Gutierrez not resigned.
Belmonte also noted there are 15 session days to go before the Congress adjourns sine die their First Regular Session. He raised the prospect of having sessions on Thursdays to pass vital legislation.
There are 71 committee reports, of which 14 are of national significance.
