Villar, Cayetano lead Senate in absenteeism and tardiness
by Amita O. Legaspi, GMANews.TV
Leading presidential contender Sen. Manuel Villar, whom his rivals have accused of spending more time campaigning than performing his duties as an elected official, had the worst attendance record of all the senators.
Of the 45 Senate sessions since the third regular session started on July 27, 2009, Villar was only able to attend 15 sessions. He was late – or arrived after roll call — on 12 of those occasions.
Villar, one of the two frontrunners in the presidential race, was recorded absent on official mission 24 times and was out on official business once. He was absent without any notice five times.
Villar’s frequent absences occurred at a time when he was organizing his formidable campaign machine and deflecting corruption charges by his Senate colleagues.
On the other hand, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was present at 14 out of 45 sessions. He arrived late 16 times, went on official mission nine times, and on official business thrice. He was absent four times.
"I am determined to continue the fight started by my father and my mother to see
that democracy takes root and is strengthened in our country. This cannot happen
in a government that serves the interest of the powerful few. We must strengthen
the institutions of government so that they truly serve the interests of our people."
net
9 Feb, 2010
ang mga sinungaling talaga oo, pareho pa ng attendance. sigurado, tiba2x si cayetano nito kay money villar. tapos may gana pang sabihin na kesyo wala raw siyang magulang na kilala, kapatid na artista kaya gumastos ng billion maikalat lang yang mukhang ampatuan na yan. eh 3 years na yang nangampanya. buti di hiningan ng comment si money kundi sasabihin na naman nito na na ‘politicized’ lang siya. echos nya!