Poetry in motions

For those who have worked at or covered the House of Representatives, it is not unusual or special if a lawmaker suddenly asks to be recognized and then low key ask the Speaker, “Mr. Speaker, do we have a quorum?”

- TONYO CRUZ

I can remember two lawmakers who were known for quite frequently questioning if there’s a quorum, a basic requirement for the House to validly conduct its business. They are gone from the House now.

Raising the quorum question will lead the House leadership to suspend the session for “one minute” and thereafter unleash the sound of a bell throughout the Batasang Pambansa complex to summon congressmen to proceed to the plenary hall. We could be pretty sure that calls for also made to the lawmakers’ offices.

If the House leadership manages to gather a majority of lawmakers who personally appear at the plenary hall, the session could resume. If not, the Speaker has no choice but to adjourn the session.

Sometimes or oftentimes, the House majority leader would move at the start of the plenary session to dispense with the calling of the roll, especially if he estimates there’s a majority of lawmakers present. The problem begins when many lawmakers quietly leave the plenary hall for side meetings, office work, or even to grab a bite.