The House of Representatives has recognized Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” Del Mar among the 98 lawmakers who recorded perfect attendance during the first regular session of the 20th Congress.
Del Mar was included in the list of House members cited under House Resolution No. 1394 after attending all plenary sessions from the opening of the first regular session on July 28, 2025, until its sine die adjournment on June 3, 2026.
The resolution, filed by House Speaker Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, and Committee on Ethics and Privileges Chairman 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos, recognized lawmakers who maintained a complete attendance record during plenary proceedings.
The list included 78 district representatives and 20 party-list lawmakers out of the 318 sitting members of the House of Representatives. The resolution emphasized that regular attendance in plenary sessions allows lawmakers to actively participate in legislative debates, support the passage of laws, and perform government oversight duties.
“Regular attendance in plenary sessions, a fundamental duty of every lawmaker, safeguards active participation in legislative debates, the timely enactment of vital laws, and strict oversight of government functions,” the resolution stated.
Del Mar’s recognition adds to a record of consistent attendance throughout her congressional career. She has maintained perfect attendance in the previous Congresses she served, continuing a record that has also been associated with her family’s legacy in public service.
Her cousin, Michael Acebedo Lopez, recognized the milestone in a Facebook post, highlighting Del Mar’s attendance record and its connection to her father, former Cebu City North District Rep. Raul Del Mar. Lopez noted that Rachel has continued the same commitment to legislative duties demonstrated by her father, who maintained perfect attendance during his nearly three decades as a member of Congress.
“Beyond the 20th Congress, she has logged perfect attendance in the previous Congresses she served in — not a single absence as congresswoman — just like her father, Raul, who was never absent during his nearly three decades as congressman,” Lopez wrote.
Beyond her attendance record, Del Mar has also maintained an independent voting record on major House proceedings that carried national implications. She voted against the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte in 2026, maintaining that her position remained consistent with her vote during the 19th Congress. The proceedings placed the House at the center of a constitutional process involving the possible trial of a sitting vice president.
Del Mar also did not support Martin Romualdez’s bid for House Speaker in 2025, choosing to abstain during the leadership vote that kept him in the post. The decision came as Romualdez later faced scrutiny after complaints were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with a widely-reported corruption scheme involving flood control funds. Romualdez has denied wrongdoing and said he is prepared to face the complaints through the proper legal process.
Beyond her legislative record, Del Mar has continued representing Cebu City’s North District through programs and services focused on addressing the needs of her constituents. Her district office has remained involved in public assistance efforts and community initiatives serving residents in the area.
The House resolution stated that lawmakers recognized for perfect attendance would receive an official Certificate of Commendation as a permanent record of their service and commitment to their constituents.
