The House of Representatives’ “Young Guns” bloc has fully backed the proposal of House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte for a strict “no work, no pay” policy for lawmakers, calling the measure a long-overdue reform aimed at protecting taxpayers, strengthening accountability, and restoring public trust in the legislative institution.

The bill, according to Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union, addresses a basic issue of fairness, stressing that public funds must only be released when public service is actually rendered.

“This bill simply ensures that public money is spent only when public work is done,” Ortega said, noting that compensation in public office should correspond to actual legislative service.

Ortega added that the proposal is not directed at any individual or political group.

“This is an institutional reform, not a partisan measure,” he said. “Clear rules that apply to everyone protect both the institution and its members.”

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said the proposal places lawmakers under the same standards observed by ordinary Filipino workers.

“If this principle applies to workers nationwide, it should apply even more to those crafting the laws,” Adiong said.

The Mindanao solon added that the measure reinforces the core meaning of public service.

“Public service begins with showing up and doing the work,” Adiong said, stressing that representation requires presence and participation.

Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun of Zambales said the bill strengthens discipline within Congress without limiting legitimate legislative work.

“This is not about punishment—it is about professional discipline in lawmaking,” Khonghun said, adding that attendance remains a basic measure of responsibility.

He also underscored the bill’s transparency provisions, which require public access to attendance records.

“When attendance is visible, accountability naturally follows,” he said.

House Deputy Majority Leader Rodge Gutierrez of the 1-Rider Party-list said the proposal is firmly grounded in the Constitution, which allows Congress to regulate its own compensation through legislation.

“This is firmly within Congress’ constitutional authority,” Gutierrez said.

He added that the bill protects public funds by ensuring that salary releases are tied to verified legislative work.

“The measure closes gaps where public funds could be released without public service,” he said.

House Bill No. 7432, titled the “No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act,” filed by Marcos, seeks to link the salaries and emoluments of senators and representatives to their verified attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings, and other official legislative functions.

In the bill’s explanatory note, Marcos said the measure responds to public concern over absenteeism, accountability, and the use of taxpayer funds, stressing that compensation should be released only when lawmakers fulfill their duties.

The bill provides safeguards for valid absences, including illness, authorized official travel, and approved legislative missions, while penalizing the falsification of attendance records and unauthorized claims for compensation.