Manila, Jan. 9 -- The Senate may compel a member's attendance only if the senator's vote is deemed crucial, as the chamber generally respects individual decisions on attendance, according to rules.

"Kung kailangan ang boto niya at mahalaga, puwedeng i-mando ng Senate President para pabotohin siya (If his vote is needed and is important, the Senate President may order him to come in to vote)," Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a Zoom interview with the media.

He said such authority cannot be exercised if a senator is abroad, noting that the Senate no longer requires prior approval for personal travel.

"Inalis na 'yan. Wala kaming rule na kailangan ng permiso para umalis (That was removed. We have no rule requiring permission t...