Benguet dev’t booster Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate committee on government corporations and public enterprises, presides over a public hearing on the bill creating the Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority (BLISTTDA) that is expected to enhance the development of the Benguet province. AL PADILLA

February 1st, 12:04am January 31st, 10:55pm Mario J. Mallari

Members of the Senate minority bloc have caused the delay in the passage of important legislations due to their absenteeism, Sen. Richard Gordon lamented yesterday.

In a manifestation on Wednesday night during a Senate session, Gordon lamented the absence of anybody from the minority to debate on proposed measures after Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon attended the bicameral conference committee for the 2019 national budget.

“Unfortunately, the Minority Leader has gone and I really feel for him,” Gordon said.

“Isn’t it sad that Frank Drilon is all by himself, while we have several other minority senators who don’t show up? They are delaying the flow of our work here at the Senate,” he added.

Apart from Drilon, other members of the Senate minority are Liberal Party Senators Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Risa Hontiveros and detained Sen. Leila de Lima.

Two measures sponsored by Gordon were scheduled for debates on Wednesday, Senate Bills 2065 and 2165, but these did not push through due to Drilon’s absence at the Senate session hall.

“We sacrifice to stay here, the Senate President, the Majority Floor Leader, your’s truly. All of use stay here until nightfall, but the others are not here. We can’t craft laws due to their absence. I am just saying. Whoever felt alluded to was not intentional,” he said.

“This Senate is a place where we debate. Whether you vote, disagree with the proposal coming out of a committee, you should allow it to find air in the Senate,” he added.

Gordon urged those who are not willing to engage in debates not to seek election as senator.

He made the statements after delivering his sponsorship speech for SB 2198 or the Act Lowering the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility which is very controversial. He has already gathered 11 signatures from other senators for the approval of the measure placing the MACR at 12 years old from the current 15 years old.

“Imagine the law will be set aside because they may face public outrage. We were not elected to avoid public anger. We respect the people, but when we make a stand, it should have principle behind it,” he explained.

“That is why we are here Mr. President — to debate. I don’t mind losing so long as we debate,” he added.