Senator Risa Hontiveros called on the new Senate leadership to defend the dignity of the chamber amid public outrage over the attempted service of an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa inside the Senate.
The incident, involving National Bureau of Investigation agents, drew criticism online and reportedly left a Senate employee injured. It also came as the upper chamber underwent a major leadership shift, with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano taking over as Senate president after senators moved to declare all Senate positions vacant.
“I’m calling to the new Senate leadership: We must protect the dignity and reputation of the Senate. The Senate is losing the trust and respect of our countrymen when our powers and traditions are being misused to avoid accountability,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said the controversy has worsened public frustration toward the institution, especially as the Senate faces questions over accountability, internal rules and public duty.
“The Senate must not become a mockery in the eyes of the Filipino people, especially when the public is looking to us to faithfully perform our Constitutional duties,” she said.
The Senate shakeup also moved Hontiveros to the minority bloc and stripped her of committee chairmanships, including the panels on health and demography, and women, children, family relations and gender equality.
“I know many are disappointed, hurt, and angry, and honestly, I could understand why,” she said.
Hontiveros said the leadership changes would not stop her and other minority senators from doing their jobs. She also urged the chamber to focus its time and energy on work that directly benefits the public, warning that the Senate’s credibility depends on restoring trust, accountability and respect for proper processes.
