Sen. Manny Pacquiao may have registered the most number of absences in legislative sessions as a congressman but he was able to author and co-author several bills of local and national importance during his tenure in the 16th Congress.
Former President now three-term Pampanga Rep. Gloria M. Arroyo has not attended a single session during the entire three years of the 16th Congress but she was unlike a number of her colleagues who have nothing to show as legislative accomplishment.
Arroyo is currently under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City on account of a conspiracy to commit plunder case in which most of her co-accused have been cleared.
Pacquiao, famous for reigning in eight world boxing divisions, has become the butt of criticisms for his legislative performance but placed seventh in the senatorial race last May.
Pacquiao was only able to attend one session during the Third Regular Session of the 16th Congress, making himself busy in attending trainings and actual boxing assignment during the period that covered July 2015 to June 30, 2016.
Now a senator, Pacquiao vowed to be more active in his job as a legislator, pointing out that he has hung his gloves. (Ben R. Rosario)
