President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed concern over the growing tensions and political infighting in the Senate, saying he was alarmed by the current state of the institution he once served in as senator.
Speaking to members of the Philippine media during his official visit to Japan, Marcos said he was disheartened by the level of conflict and personal attacks now unfolding inside the Senate.
“I watched with horror that the Senate has become this,” the President said.
Marcos, who served as senator from 2010 to 2016, said the chamber’s present atmosphere was vastly different from the Senate he experienced during his term.
“The discourse had gone shallow,” he said.
“Nothing like that happened during my time in the Senate,” he added.
The President also admitted surprise over the intensity of recent confrontations among lawmakers.
“I never imagined that the Senate would descend into this kind of… what’s happening right now,” he said.
His remarks came amid controversy surrounding Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who reportedly faced possible arrest over allegations of crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
Tensions escalated further after a shooting incident disrupted activities within the Senate complex on May 13 during heightened security concerns related to Dela Rosa’s situation.
Later that day, Dela Rosa was seen leaving the Senate compound aboard the SUV of Senator Robin Padilla despite earlier statements claiming he was under Senate protective custody.
The issue intensified after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla released CCTV footage showing Dela Rosa and Padilla exiting the premises, triggering allegations of a possible “escape” and prompting separate government investigations.