Congressman Pacquiao has “Bigger dreams for our people” while in ALABEL, Sarangani (October 7, 2015) – “In the coming days, I will be embracing new levels of responsibility,” says Manny Pacquiao, “I will be confronting tougher challenges. Yes, I will be dreaming bigger dreams for our people and for our nation.” This statement stirs the crowd to applaud lone district Congressman Manny Pacquiao in his State of the District Address at the Capitol gym Monday, October 5. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
MANILA, July 18, (MABUHAY) – Senator Manny Pacquiao only showed up for plenary session at the Lower House on his last year as Sarangani Representative.
Based on the attendance report released by the House of Representatives covering the 3rd regular session from July 27, 2015 to June 6, 2016, Pacquiao was actually present only on one session day out of the 52 session days for the period.
Pacquiao has promised to prioritize his new role as a senator. However, his duties as a lawmaker may again be affected by a possible return to the boxing ring.
Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, said on Tuesday that the eight-division world champion planned to fight on either October 29 or November 5 as a main event bout in Las Vegas.
Sixteenth Congress Negros Occidental Rep. Julio Ledesma, Davao del Sur Rep. Franklin Bautista attended 3 session days while Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos, Albay Rep. Edcel “Grex” Lagman and Iloilo Rep. Hernan Biron Jr. attended four.
Nueva Ecija Rep. Magnolia Antonino, Manila Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan, and Pangasinan Rep. Kimi Cojuangco attended five session days, while Cavite Rep. Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer IV, Kalinga party-list Rep. Abigail Faye Ferriol, Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali and Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson were present in 6.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Guillermo Romarate Jr. and Iligan City Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr. attended 7 session days, while Quezon City Rep. Francisco Calalay Jr., Cebu Rep. Joseph “Ace” Durano, Palawan Rep. Douglas Hagedorn, Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and Southern Leyte Rep. Damian Mercado attended 8 session days.
Those who were present 9 session days were Davao Oriental Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang, Rizal Rep. Joel Roy Duavit, Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr., Manila Rep. Maria Zenaida Angping, and LPG-MA party-list Rep. Arnel Ty.
The list excludes Rep. Gloria Arroyo, who is detained on a plunder charge since the first regular session of the 16th Congress.
Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo was ordered arrested by the Sandiganbayan on August 5, 2013.
Rep. Elmer Panoted died September 9, 2015 while Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento was appointed Interior Secretary on September 22, 2015.
Rep. Doy Leachon was under a 90-day preventive suspension starting December 19, 2015.
Rep. Regina Ongsiako Reyes was dropped from the roll on February 1, 2016 and replaced by Lord Allan Velasco.
Rep. Roy Seneres died on February 8, 2016, while Reps. Harlin Abayon and Philip Pichay were dropped from the roll on May 23, 2016. Abayon was replaced by Rep. Raul Daza while Pichay was replaced by Mary Eliabeth Ty-Delgado.
The list was broken down according to days actually present, and days deemed present. The days deemed present refers to days when they are not physically in session but are out on official business.
A list of congressmen whose absences were either with or without notice was also provided.
There were 29 session days when the roll call was dispensed with.(MNS)