Following emotional exchanges on the Senate floor exactly a week after a gunfire incident shook the complex, Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Wednesday, May 20, proposed convening a Committee of the Whole to address the security breach, calling for a unified parliamentary response.
Sotto made the recommendation after numerous lawmakers delivered manifestations regarding the shooting, which disrupted legislative proceedings and caused panic among senators, staff, media, and security personnel.
“I think this particular issue, once culminated, should be referred to the Committee of the Whole,” Sotto said.
I think this particular issue, once concluded, should be referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The minority leader explained that the extraordinary measure is necessary because the incident spans the jurisdictions of multiple panels, including the committees on public order, justice, ethics, rules, and finance—the latter regarding the alleged procurement of the weapons involved.
“So this is not just majority or minority. The Senate has a direct institutional stake, every senator,” Sotto emphasized.
Emotional Floor Debates
The legislative proposal followed an emotional manifestation from Senator Pia Cayetano, who strongly objected to an earlier remark by Senator Risa Hontiveros suggesting that it seemed as though nothing happened (“parang walang nangyari”) after the incident.
Cayetano countered that while operations might appear normal to some, those who were physically present faced genuine fear and trauma.
“Para sa amin na nandito, napakaraming nangyari,” Cayetano said, recounting how she feared for her life and thought of her children as shots rang out.
For those of us who were here, a lot happened.
She detailed the terror experienced by a longtime staff member who was caught near the active shooting zone without knowing where to seek cover, adding that Senate employees, security teams, elevator operators, and journalists were all exposed to severe danger.
“Huwag niyong kuwestiyonin yung mga nangyari sa mga nandito. Please respect my own story,” Cayetano added.
Do not question what happened to those who were here. Please respect my own story.
Leadership Response and Clarifications
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano acknowledged Sotto’s proposal, stating that the chamber’s leadership will seriously consider convening the Committee of the Whole. He suggested moving the preliminary discussions to an executive caucus before rendering a formal floor decision.
The Senate President assured the public that leadership is actively managing the security aftermath, coordinating with various government branches, and tightening safety protocols within the complex.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros later clarified her controversial remarks, explaining that she was referring to the Senate’s “institutional posture” and response, rather than dismissing the personal trauma of those present.
“Our grief as senators is valid, but our mandate requires action,” Hontiveros said, while expressing empathy for Cayetano and the affected Senate staff.
Several other lawmakers, including Senators Mark Villar, Camille Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Robin Padilla, Christopher “Bong” Go, Loren Legarda, and Win Gatchalian, have reserved their right to speak on the matter in the upcoming session.
If approved, the Committee of the Whole will allow the entire chamber to collectively spearhead a consolidated investigation into the security breach.