PASAY CITY — Senate President Win Gatchalian stated on Friday, October 16, that the upper chamber accepts the apology offered by Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro regarding controversial lighthearted photos captured inside the Senate session hall, though a formal warning will still be recorded.
The controversy arose after images circulated widely on social media showing members of the House prosecution panel striking playful poses inside the chamber.
Gatchalian noted that the inquiry ordered through the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) will proceed as planned to address decorum breaches.
”May warning pa rin kasi nangyari na ‘yun, just to put it on record. But of course, we accept the apology. And I’m sure naiintindihan naman nila ‘yan,” Gatchalian explained during an ambush interview in Pasay City.
Luistro, who serves as the lead prosecutor for the House panel, previously issued an apology, explaining that the prosecutors were simply in high spirits and enjoying a brief respite after enduring months of intense impeachment proceedings.
While acknowledging the explanation, Gatchalian emphasized that lawmakers should be well-acquainted with parliamentary decorum.
”Well, we accept their apology. At alam naman nila dahil mga mambabatas rin sila. At doon sa session hall ng Congress, alam ko very strict rin ‘yung mga rules nila pagdating sa decorum,” he stated.
The Senate leader further noted that the investigation encompasses other reported misconduct, including individuals spotted dancing in Senate corridors and sleeping inside the legislative hall.
He added that an official report on the probe is expected within the day.
”Nevertheless, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ‘yung investigation kung totoo mang nangyari ‘yun o hindi. Dahil may mga sumasayaw dito sa loob. So, bibigyan ako ng official report within the day,” Gatchalian said.
Although capturing photographs inside the session hall is generally permitted, Gatchalian clarified that the facility was formally configured as an impeachment court at the time for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, demanding a higher standard of solemnity and adherence to rules.