Manila, May 29 -- Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Friday said the House of Representatives' emergency-based remote voting mechanism, which is limited to emergencies and official functions, cannot be fairly equated with proposals seeking expanded virtual participation in Senate sessions ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

The Deputy Speaker issued the statement after SAGIP Party-list Rep. Paolo Henry Marcoleta cited House practices to defend proposals allowing senators to participate and vote remotely during Senate proceedings.

In a statement Ortega said House rules allow remote participation only during emergencies, pandemics, extraordinary circumstances and narrowly defined official business ...