President Bongbong Marcos called for calm and seriousness in the Senate, saying the chamber must move past internal disputes and return to the level of public debate expected from one of the country’s highest institutions.
Marcos said he watched “with horror” as the Senate became caught in disputes, security issues, and political tension following the May 13 incident involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. The issue has also fueled discussions on whether senators should be allowed to participate and vote remotely.
“I watched with horror that the Senate has become this,” Marcos said.
The President focused his remarks on restoring order and keeping the Senate functioning properly. He said lawmakers should move away from personal fights and return to serious discussions on matters that affect the public.
“The discourse had gone shallow,” Marcos said. “Nothing like that happened during my time in the Senate.”
Marcos also questioned how the Senate could continue its work while dealing with controversies involving fugitives from justice.
“The Senate is now sheltering fugitives from justice. How did that happen? I don’t understand how a Senate is supposed to function if those are the kinds of things that the Senate is embroiled in,” Marcos said.
The May 13 incident placed the Senate under public scrutiny after gunfire was reported inside the building during the controversy surrounding Bato and the International Criminal Court warrant against him. Reports said the Senate went into lockdown, armed personnel were seen inside the complex, and no casualties were reported. Bato later left the Senate premises.
Marcos also rejected proposals to allow senators to vote remotely, saying the issue appeared connected to Bato’s situation.
His statement positioned the issue as a call for stability, professionalism, and public duty. Marcos urged the Senate to restore normal order, move beyond personal disputes, and focus on the work expected from lawmakers.
