Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson defended the opposition bloc’s walkout from a recent Senate session, clarifying that the minority does not oppose updating the chamber’s guidelines but objects to the irregular process being used to push them through.
Responding to criticism from Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano via social media on Saturday, Lacson addressed the friction surrounding a proposed measure that would permit senators to attend sessions and cast their votes remotely through teleconferencing.
“Nothing is wrong about debating on any motion, resolution or measure.”
“What is wrong is ignoring our own rules and parliamentary procedures by stopping the debates to railroad the adoption of a motion already referred to the committee on rules,” Lacson added.
The conflict centers on a proposal authored by Senator Rodante Marcoleta to amend Rule XIV, Section 41 of the Senate Rules. The amendment seeks to allow lawmakers to participate in deliberations and vote via videoconferencing under “justifiable reasons.”
Cayetano previously rebuked the minority for walking out, claiming they were merely obstructing the proposal and creating a false narrative that they were denied the chance to voice their concerns.
However, Lacson countered that the issue is strictly about maintaining institutional order. He pointed out that the majority bloc attempted to debate and vote on the proposal on the plenary floor despite the fact that it had already been formally sent to the committee on rules. Bypassing this standard procedure, Lacson argued, weakens the legislative system, which dictates that committees must first review, debate, and recommend measures before floor action.
Compounding the issue, the committee on rules has not yet been formally organized following the leadership transition on May 11, meaning the proposal was brought back to the floor prematurely.
Lacson also questioned Cayetano’s reliance on Section 136 of the Senate Rules, which permits rule amendments via a motion filed at least one day prior.
The veteran lawmaker argued that this specific provision is no longer applicable once a measure has already been handed over to a committee for evaluation.
The procedural standoff peaked on Tuesday when Cayetano called for a division of the house to force a vote, prompting minority lawmakers to leave the plenary floor in protest.
“We can amend our rules but we must follow the procedure. They wanted to amend the rules fastbreak-style and we have a committee system. Congress cannot function without the committees,” Lacson explained during a radio interview.