Manila, Feb. 4 -- A group of House of Representatives leaders on Wednesday rallied behind the proposal of House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos to impose a strict "no work, no pay" policy for members of Congress.

Calling themselves Young Guns, the lawmakers said the measure is a long-overdue reform aimed at protecting taxpayers, strengthening accountability, and restoring public trust in the legislative institution.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union said the bill addresses a basic issue of fairness, stressing that public funds must only be released when public service is actually rendered.

"This bill simply ensures that public money is spent only when public work is done," Ortega said in a statement, noting ...