The Senate minority bloc walked out of Tuesday’s plenary session after opposing what it called a rushed move by the majority to amend Senate rules and allow senators to attend sessions, join proceedings, and vote remotely.
In a joint statement posted by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, the minority said several senators still wanted to speak and raise questions before the proposed rule change could move forward.
“We strongly condemn what appears to be an attempt to rush a major change in the Senate Rules, especially when several members of the minority still wanted to speak and raise serious questions on the floor,” the bloc said.
The minority questioned whether the proposal was being hurried to allow Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to vote remotely, including in proceedings tied to Vice President Sara Duterte‘s impeachment trial.
“Minamadali ba ang rule change na ito dahil gusto nilang maka boto si Senator Bato? At ngayong may mga ulat na may mga majority senators na maaaring arestuhin?” the statement read.
The bloc said the issue went beyond online attendance because the amendment affects how senators exercise their mandate. It also questioned the process, citing the alleged absence of a duly constituted Committee on Rules and elected Majority Leader when the motion was taken up.
The majority defended the proposal as a practical update to Senate procedure. Sen. Rodante Marcoleta introduced the motion to allow attendance and voting through video conferencing for “justifiable reasons,” expanding rules now limited to emergencies.
Sen. Robin Padilla backed the move, saying Zoom has long been accepted in government hearings, meetings, and processes.
“Matagal nang tinatanggap sa pamahalaan ang Zoom para sa mga pagdinig, pagpupulong, at mga proseso,” Padilla said.
Padilla said lawyers from both blocs could debate the rules, but if they could not agree, the matter should be settled by a vote.
“’Yan ang demokrasya! ’Yan ang parliamentaryong pamamaraan,” Padilla said.
