Sandro Marcos files 'no work, no pay' bill for congressmen, senators

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos on Tuesday filed a measure seeking to implement a "no work, no pay" policy for members of Congress, asserting that absenteeism of public officials wastes public funds.

Marcos, son of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., made the proposal under his House Bill 7432 filed on January 27.

In his explanatory note on the measure, Congressman Marcos said, "The principle of 'no work, no pay' is a general labor standard applied to workers across the country. However, Members of Congress, who are entrusted with the responsibility of crafting laws and representing the people, are currently compensated regardless of attendance or participation."

"This has led to public concern over absenteeism, lack of accountability and wastage of taxpayer funds. This bill seeks to institutionalize a 'no work, no pay' compensation scheme for Members of Congress, ensuring that public funds are spent only when these elected officials fulfill their duties," he added.

By mandating that salary and other emoluments be tied to attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings, and other official functions, Marcos said the bill would promote  transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.

Presidential son, House Majority Leader, Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep Sandro Marcos has filed a bill to implement a "no work, no pay" scheme for congs. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/7srCzjLVdV

— Tina PanganibanPerez (@tinapperez) February 3, 2026

Under the bill, unexcused absences will result in forfeiture of compensation.

Acts of misconduct, such falsifying attendance records or making compensation claims without rendering official duties, shall be punished accordingly.

Valid absences, on the other hand, include illnesses certified by a licensed doctor, authorized official representation, official travel or mission approved by the leadership of the House or Senate, and approved leaves of absence.

In addition, House Bill 7432 requires the publication of attendance records to strengthen public trust and oversight.

Further, Congressman Marcos said his proposal is not discriminatory to the members of Congress.

"To the objection that this bill is probably unconstitutional, for selective discrimination against Members of Congress, hence, a class legislation, it must be remembered that no less than the 1987 Philippine Constitution itself provides for the statutory regulation of the official compensation for Members of Congress when it states in part, under Section 10 of Article 6, that 'the salaries of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives shall be determined by law.'"

"In passing this measure, Congress affirms its commitment to uphold the highest standards of public service and to ensure that elected representatives truly embody the principle of service to the people. In view of the foregoing, the enactment of this bill at the earliest is earnestly recommended," the Ilocos Norte representative said. — with a report from Tina Panganiban Perez/ VDV, GMA Integrated News