Senator Raffy Tulfo on Saturday demanded a transparent and thorough investigation into the May 13 shooting incident inside the Senate compound, warning that the disruption has severely paralyzed the chamber’s legislative duties.
In a sharply worded statement, Tulfo lamented how the violence has stalled the progress of crucial legislation that was already scheduled for the floor.
“Nakakalungkot na maraming mahahalagang panukalang batas ang nakahanda na para sa sponsorship ngunit patuloy na nade-delay dahil sa kaguluhan sa Senado.”
The lawmaker stressed that uncovering the truth behind the incident is the only way to restore order and allow lawmakers to fulfill their duties to the public.
“Dapat magkaroon ng isang transparent na imbestigasyon sa mga nangyari at lumabas ang katotohanan upang bumalik na sa normal ang aming trabaho at magawa namin ang mandatong ipinagkatiwala sa amin ng taumbayan.”
Tulfo backed the suspension of acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Chief Mao Aplasca, who confessed to firing the initial shots despite the presence of employees and journalists in the immediate area. However, the senator insisted that accountability must go both ways, calling for a probe into a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) asset who allegedly returned fire.
Closing his statement, Tulfo reminded his colleagues that the institution’s primary loyalty must remain with the public rather than personal or political agendas.
“Ang pagpapanatili ng integridad at kredibilidad ng Senado ay dapat manaig higit sa pulitika at pansariling interes.”
Law enforcement agencies are currently piecing together the timeline of the shootout as the investigation continues.