Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday knocked a colleague’s “condescending” behavior toward Senator Risa Hontiveros, which occurred during a fierce plenary debate over a proposal to authorize remote participation in legislative sessions.
The friction stemmed from Tuesday night’s session, where the Senate majority and minority factions clashed over a motion by Senator Rodante Marcoleta to allow online voting and attendance. During the arguments, a lawyer-senator reportedly insulted Hontiveros by bringing up her lack of a legal education.
Lacson, a member of the “Solid Bloc 11 (SB-11)” minority coalition, quickly came to his colleague’s defense on social media, emphasizing that basic Senate procedures do not require a law degree to comprehend.
“In a condescending tone, a colleague, who is a lawyer, took issue with Sen Hontiveros’ lack of ‘legal background.’ I have a simple message — it’s the RULES, stupid!” Lacson said.
The opposition bloc argued that the majority violated parliamentary procedures by forcing a floor vote on Marcoleta’s motion.
According to Lacson, because the proposal had already been forwarded to the Committee on Rules, it fell under Rule 24—requiring a formal committee report before any floor discussion—rather than Rule 136, which the majority used to justify the quick vote.
Furthermore, Lacson highlighted a glaring procedural gap: the Committee on Rules is currently non-existent, lacking both a chairperson and members since all panel positions were declared vacant during the Senate leadership shakeup on May 11.
Outnumbered by the majority, the minority bloc ultimately walked out of the session hall in protest. However, Lacson dismissed the idea that the walkout was an admission of defeat, characterizing it instead as a calculated tactical maneuver.
“Senate minority walkout: we demonstrated how to score a victory by retreating. They may have superior numbers but we have the rules on our side,” he said in a separate post. “When they in the majority play dirty, we in the minority will play it smart.”
The explosive encounter underscores the deepening divide and growing animosity between the two Senate coalitions following the chamber’s recent leadership reorganization.