Senator Robin Padilla is preparing to bring a formal complaint before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges following a heated confrontation with Senator Kiko Pangilinan during debates over the ICC arrest warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
The dispute erupted on Tuesday when Pangilinan, arguing to refer the ICC matter to the rules panel to prioritize other legislation, raised his voice at Padilla after the latter attempted to interject.
“I still have the floor.”
Padilla expressed deep offense at the exchange, stating that such conduct is unacceptable to him, regardless of traditional parliamentary behavior.
“Hindi, may reklamo ako… Eh sa akin talaga, hindi ako sanay na sinisigawan. So sinasabi nila na natural lang daw dito, eh sa akin, hindi.”
The tension is rooted in long-standing divisions over Senate Resolution No. 44, which seeks to protect Filipinos from “extrajudicial rendition.”
Pangilinan, who voted against the measure alongside Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros, reiterated his opposition during the clash.
“For the record Mr. President, we voted against Senate Resolution No. 44.”
Padilla has demanded a public apology on the Senate floor, where the incident occurred. If no apology is forthcoming, he intends to let the ethics body determine the consequences.
“Dapat mag-apologize siya muna … kailangan sa plenary niya gawin. Kasi sa plenary niya ako sinigawan eh… Ngayon, kung saan makakarating ‘yung reklamo ko, bahala na magdesisyon kung sino ‘yung magiging chairman ng Committee on Ethics.”
The unresolved dispute led to the abrupt adjournment of Tuesday’s session, leaving legislative business on hold.