Senators seek virtual committee hearings, sessions

Fifteen senators filed Senate Resolution No. 372 on Monday to amend Senate rules and allow plenary sessions and committee hearings via teleconferencing during the enhanced community quarantine.

The resolution aims to ensure that Congress can exercise its constitutional mandate to enact laws and authorize appropriations needed for the COVID-19 response while ensuring lawmakers' safety.

Under the proposed amendment, the Senate President may convene or postpone plenary sessions through teleconferencing with House consent in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.