Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III lashed out at law enforcement on Wednesday following a security breach outside the Senate complex, where protesters allegedly swarmed and assaulted his vehicle.
The incident occurred amid heightened political tensions as demonstrators gathered to voice opinions on the ICC arrest warrant for Senator Bato dela Rosa and the looming impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Sotto, who was traveling without a security detail, expressed his indignation over the lack of crowd control.
“I am furious and disappointed with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and other security personnel assigned outside the Senate for failing to control the rowdy and unruly crowd.”
According to the veteran lawmaker, the situation escalated quickly as the mob targeted his car while he was attempting to exit the premises.
“The barbaric protesters banged my vehicle repeatedly, threw bottles and cursed foul remarks.”
Sotto highlighted the irony of the security lapse, pointing out the significant number of police units stationed around the perimeter. He questioned the effectiveness of the deployment given that protesters were able to reach his vehicle unimpeded.
“Ilang truck ng PNP ang naka-deploy sa Senate, tapos ganito?”
The Senate has become a flashpoint for rival political groups in recent days, with the recent leadership shakeup and high-profile legal battles drawing large, volatile crowds to its gates.