NINETY-EIGHT members of the House of Representatives are set to receive formal commendations for maintaining perfect attendance in all 39 plenary sessions during the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress, covering July 28, 2025 to June 3, 2026, under House Resolution No. 1394.
4Ps Party-list Rep. JC M. Abalos, Deputy Minority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, said the recognition should be viewed not merely as an award, but as a reminder of the standard expected of every elected representative.
“Perfect attendance shouldn’t make headlines. Ideally, showing up and doing the work should be the norm for every public servant,” Abalos said.
“What makes this meaningful is that we are recognizing good conduct just as seriously as we call out misconduct. Based on available House records, this appears to be the first resolution specifically recognizing, as a group, all Members who completed every plenary session of a regular session of Congress,” he added.
The initiative also marks a notable departure from the traditional public-facing role of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. The committee is principally known for investigating complaints involving Members of the House and recommending disciplinary action when warranted.
Abalos said that while accountability remains central to the committee’s work, promoting ethical conduct should not be confined to investigating and sanctioning wrongdoing.
“Ethics should not only be about punishment. If we want to build a stronger institution, we should also recognize Members who demonstrate the discipline and commitment that public service demands,” Abalos said.
“Hindi lang dapat tayo naghahanap ng mali. Dapat marunong din tayong kumilala ng tama.”
House Resolution No. 1394 was authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan, and Abalos.
The resolution commends 98 Members who recorded perfect attendance in all 39 plenary sessions of the First Regular Session and provides that each honoree be furnished a copy of the resolution and an official commendation.
The measure was filed on August 25, 2026.
For Abalos, however, the larger objective goes beyond recognizing 98 lawmakers.
“This isn’t about rewarding people simply for coming to work. It’s about setting a culture. Today we recognize 98. Hopefully, that number grows every year until perfect attendance is no longer exceptional—it is simply what the public expects, and what Congress expects of itself.”
metrosundaily
