Cayetano missed most number of Senate sessions, Trillanes 'most tardy'

Former senator turned Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano missed the most number of plenary sessions in the Senate from July 2016 to May 2017, data from the legislative body’s Journal Service showed.

Cayetano attended only 31 of the 83 session days from July 25, 2016 to May 31, 2017.

The total number of session days during the first regular session was 89, but the senator had already vacated his seat on May 17 after his confirmation as the new Foreign Affairs secretary. Congress adjourned sine die six session days after or on May 31.

The data also showed Cayetano was tardy 10 times out of the 31 times he was present. The senator was recorded as being on official mission for a total of 51 days. He was technically absent for only one day.

Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was the most tardy senator, arriving late 26 times after the roll call. Trillanes, however, was present 72 days out of the total number of sessions. He was on official mission abroad for 16 days.

Most punctual

Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson recorded not only  a perfect attendance, but were also punctual in all of the 89 session days.

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Gringo Honasan both came in second, as they were only late for one session day, but were present in all.

Senator Miguel Zubiri also completed 89 session days, but was late 19 times.

Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Richard Gordon attended 86 session days, while Senators Nancy Binay, Sherwin Gatchalian and Joel Villanueva each attended 85.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, who was an absentee congressman in the House of Representatives, showed up 84 times and was absent only twice. He was on official mission for three days.

Those who also showed in 84 out of 89 session days were Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto was present for 83 days, while Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Sonny Angara, and Loren Legarda were present in 82 plenary sessions.

Senator Cynthia Villar was present for 80 session days, while Senator Grace Poe attended 79.

Senator JV Ejercito meanwhile missed 12 session days when he served his preventive suspension over the alleged anomalous firearms deal.

Senator Leila de Lima meanwhile was recorded absent for 23 days. De Lima, presently detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, was arrested and has been detained since February 24. —KBK/KVD, GMA News