Several lawmakers raised questions on the sudden meeting of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms that was called for Thursday morning, with the notice being given to them only at the session Wednesday afternoon.

This came after Speaker Prospero Nograles instructed Majority Leader Arthur Defensor to fast-track the processing of the bill on the postponement of elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on August 11.

Committee chairman Teodoro Locsin Jr. called on lawmakers to attend Thursday’s hearing in connection with bills on the postponement of ARMM elections, certified as urgent by President Arroyo.

Locsin said it is important for them to attend because this may have an impact on the "liquidation of the Republic."

Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez said he felt Locsin was being pressured.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, meanwhile, said it is not fair to hold a meeting in such short notice. He said there is no session on Thursdays since they are usually in their constituencies on this day.

Locsin responded by saying it is their duty to be counted.

After Thursday’s meeting, a committee report will be released for floor consideration possibly by Monday. With a report from Paul Henson, ABS-CBN News