Senate Session No. 62 — May 11, 2026

[0:00] Senator Escudero, Senator Escudero, Senator Estrada, Senator Cuitano Pia, Senator Gatchalian, Senator Goh, Senator Hontiveros, Senator Lacson, Senator Lapid, Senator Legarda, Senator Marco Letta, Senator Marcos, Senator Padilla, Senator Pangilinan, Senator Tulfo Irwin, Senator Tulfo Rafi, Senator Villanueva, Senator Villar Camille, [0:51] I would like to be an independent member of the Senate. [1:02] What is your vote, Senator Subiri? [1:07] Abstention. [1:09] Senator Sotteritur. [1:11] May we get the results, please? [1:41] 1392. [1:44] With 13 votes for Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and 9 votes for Senator Tito Soto and 2 abstention, [1:56] Senator Cayetano is hereby elected as the new Senate President. [2:07] Session suspended. [5:05] May we call on Senator Camille Villar to administer the oath to the newly elected Senate President, [5:11] Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. [5:20] Oath of office. [5:33] I state your full name. [5:35] I, Alan Peter Schramm Cayetano. [5:38] Having been elected to the position of Senate President, [5:41] having been elected to the position of Senate President, [5:44] to hereby solemnly swear [5:46] that I will well and faithfully discharge [5:50] to the best of my ability [5:56] the duties of my present position [6:01] and of all others I may hereafter hold [6:07] under the Republic of the Philippines [6:11] that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines [6:15] that I will uphold and support [6:18] that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines [6:22] that I will obey the laws, legal orders, and decrees [6:26] that I will obey the laws, legal orders, and decrees [6:30] promulgated by the duly constituted authorities [6:33] promulgated by the duly constituted authorities [6:36] and maintain true faith and allegiance [6:39] and maintain true faith and allegiance [6:41] to the Republic of the Philippines [6:43] to the Republic of the Philippines [6:45] and that I impose this obligation [6:47] and that I impose this obligation [6:49] upon myself voluntarily [6:51] upon myself voluntarily [6:53] without mental reservation or purpose of evasion [6:56] Without mental reservation or purpose of evasion. [7:00] So help me God. [7:01] So help me God. [7:05] For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope in a future. [7:57] Iyan po ang nasa Jeremiah 29.11 na naging isa sa core na paniniwala ng aking pagkatao at pananampalataya. [8:06] Gusto ko po si Propetang Jeremiah dahil siya po ay nire-respeto at pinaniniwalaan ng Muslim, Hudyo at Kristiyano. [8:16] Sa mundo ngayon na in crisis, buong mundo na in crisis because of the US-Iran-Israel war, napakahirap minsan paniwalaan na may magandang plano. [8:30] But I'm always reminded that though people may be liars, God never lies. [8:36] Though we may be weak, He is strong. [8:40] But we are reminded that if He has a plan, we have to do the right thing. [8:47] So let me be explicit. [8:51] Our job together, my job, is to serve you, dear Senators. [8:56] To serve this nation, to serve God above all, and to do what is right. [9:03] Napakahirap kung tutuusin po ang dinadaanan ng generasyon na to. [9:08] Kagabi po, kausap ko po ang pamangken ni Senator Jinggoy, anak po. [9:13] Ni Jackie, si Manu. [9:17] Nakita po niya ako ng 2006 or 2007 or 2008 nung binisita ko ang kanyang lolo. [9:25] At sabi ko sa kanya, grabe pala pinagdaanan ng generation niyo. [9:29] During Duterte's time, depending on your lens, it was a human rights crisis. [9:38] If you're pro-Duterte, it's a crisis of drugs. [9:42] Where illegal drugs did not only steal lives, did not only steal dreams, but it wrecked communities. [9:51] It wrecked our government. [9:52] Of course, if you are from the anti-Duterte lens, the human rights crisis was in the extrajudicial killings. [10:03] But after enjoying almost nine years of unprecedented economic prosperity during the Aquino time to the Duterte time, [10:13] inabot po tayo ng pandemic. [10:16] So from the human rights crisis to a health pandemic crisis. [10:21] Naglilift pa lang ang COVID, nangyari na po ang Ukraine-Russia conflict. [10:30] Sa mundo na mga kabataan na to ay naniniwalang hindi na posible ang World War III. [10:35] Ay suddenly may major conflict in the West. [10:40] And then you fast forward. [10:43] The crisis of the Philippines when it comes to corruption and flood control. [10:49] The biggest corruption scandal in our country. [10:55] Hindi pa ho tapos yan, nangyari yung Iran, US, Israel. [11:04] And then, our young people have to face the prospect of a changing world through AI. [11:09] And while we are worrying, leaders around the world in Canada, India, US, Australia are excited of AI. [11:20] They said that it will bring in a new wave of millionaires, billionaires. [11:24] It will bring in high quality jobs. [11:28] Pero tayo po ba'y naghahanda na? [11:32] We might not feel the crisis here in the session hall. [11:37] But our people, may it be the grab drivers, the tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, [11:41] yung malilit na kalendria, yung mga beneficiaries ng 4Ps, ramdam na ramdam na nila. [11:48] So, nung kinamayan po ako nung former Senate President Subiri, [11:52] sabi niya, hindi siya naiinggit sa trabaho dahil mahirap po ito. [11:56] But I take a step forward, my dear colleagues, and offer myself to serve you. [12:02] Just as Senate President Soto said, that he is here to serve everyone, [12:07] not only the majority, not only the minority. [12:12] I am here to respect the President, the Office of the President, the Vice President, [12:18] the Office of the Vice President, the House of Representatives, and each one of you. [12:25] In every crisis, there are big winners and there are big losers. [12:30] Unfortunately, it is the poorest of the poor who is always the losers. [12:33] So, I urge all of you, let's unite, let's discuss. [12:42] Before us might be the impeachment, let me make it very clear. [12:46] May mga lumabas sa news, and hindi ko kayo sinisise kung sinasabi nyo sa news [12:50] na ang pagpalit ng leadership ay tungkol sa impeachment, hindi po. [12:55] The impeachment is enshrined in the Constitution. [13:01] The Bible says, the truth shall set us free. [13:06] We want to be free from poverty. [13:08] We want to be free from corruption. [13:12] We want to be free from a government that is busy fighting its own people [13:17] or the people fighting each other. [13:20] Hindi ito Facebook, hindi ito social media na pwedeng bawat minuto may nagbabanatan. [13:26] In real life, in the non-digital life, we have to be here for each other. [13:33] It doesn't mean anything if we say we are devout Muslims [13:36] or we are devout Catholics or devout evangelicals if we cannot love each other. [13:42] In the Senate, we might not like each other, but I think we can work each other and we can love each other. [13:47] So let me make it clear, the impeachment will be much, much more than dismissing a complaint because of political affiliation. [14:02] And it's also much, much more than convicting someone without evidence. [14:08] Parehong hindi pwede yun. [14:10] Kailangan guided tayo by the truth, guided by evidence. [14:14] But the process is as important as the result. [14:19] Hindi natin pwedeng sabihin, she or he will make a bad president. [14:24] Or wala na tayong maasahan dyan sa presidente. [14:26] Wala na tayong maasahan sa vice president. [14:28] Impeach na lang natin. [14:29] Hindi po. [14:29] The Senate is also on trial. [14:33] So, dear colleagues, as we ask God to guide us and help us, [14:37] I'd like to thank all of you who supported me today. [14:41] I will do my job. [14:43] But I'd also like to reach out to all my colleagues here today. [14:48] Ngayon lang naman po tayo na may divisions eh. [14:52] Dahil mabigat ang politika. [14:54] Pero actually, we've worked together. [14:55] And if we could only go back 20 years and then go back now, can we go back, can we go to 20 years from now? [15:04] And let me tell you what I told the group last night nung nag-meeting kami. [15:07] Basta't lahat ng gagawin natin, huwag tayo magsisisi. [15:11] Huwag tayong gagawa na pagsisisihan natin. [15:13] So, feel free to call me out if you think mali ang direksyon. [15:19] So, dear colleagues, again, thank you. [15:21] God bless you. [15:22] Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. [15:25] Session is suspended for a minute. [20:55] May I move that we recognize the distinguished gentleman from San Juan, Senator Jingoy Estrada. [21:04] Mr. President, if I may. [21:10] Senator Jingoy Estrada is recognized. [21:11] Thank you, Mr. President. [21:12] Mr. President, I respectfully nominate Senator Loren Ligarda for the position of Senate President Pro Temp. [21:20] I so move, Mr. President. [21:21] Any objection? Hearing none, Majority Leader. [21:25] Mr. President, I move that we close the period of nomination for the Senate President Pro Temp and act on the motion, Mr. President. [21:35] If there's no objection, we'll proceed with acting on the motion. [21:44] Walang na-nominated. [21:46] So, those in favor of electing Senator Loren as Senate President Pro Temp, please raise your right hand. [22:02] Ace and ace na lang. [22:05] Ace and ace. [22:05] Okay, we'll do it viva voce. [22:09] Yes, Mr. President. [22:11] May I suggest that we do a viva voce voting, Mr. President? [22:15] All those who are in favor, please say aye. [22:18] Yes. [22:18] Aye. [22:20] Yes. [22:20] Aye. [22:22] Those, again, say nay. [22:27] The ayes have it. [22:28] There's no nays. [22:29] Mr. President, may we ask the newly elected Senate President Pro Temp, Senator Loren Ligarda, [22:36] to proceed to the rostrum, Mr. President. [22:39] And I move to suspend the session. [22:40] You suspend while waiting for Senator Ligarda. [22:42] Thank you, Mr. President. [23:55] I, Loren Ligarda, [23:58] haven't been elected [23:59] haven't been elected [24:01] Senate President Pro Temp [24:03] Senate President Pro Tempore [24:05] do hereby solemnly swear [24:07] that I will well and faithfully discharge [24:12] to the best of my ability [24:18] the duties of my present position [24:22] and of all others [24:25] I may hereafter hold [24:28] under the Republic of the Philippines [24:32] that I will support and defend [24:34] that I will support and defend [24:36] the Constitution of the Philippines [24:37] the Constitution of the Philippines [24:39] I will obey the laws [24:40] I will obey the laws [24:42] legal orders [24:43] legal orders [24:44] and decrees [24:44] and decrees [24:45] promulgated by [24:47] promulgated by [24:48] the duly constituted authorities [24:50] the duly constituted authorities [24:52] and maintain true faith and allegiance [24:54] and maintain true faith and allegiance [24:57] to the Republic of the Philippines [24:59] to the Republic of the Philippines [25:00] And that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion. [25:14] So help me God. [25:16] Congratulations. [25:23] Session suspended. [25:24] I move that we recognize the gentleman from San Juan, Senator Jingoy Estrada, for his short manifestation, Mr. President. [27:38] Before that, we just want to manifest, we will put on record that we are asking Senator Joel to stay on as an acting majority leader until a majority caucus is called and until we settle the committee chairmanship. [27:55] Senator Jingoy Estrada. [27:57] Thank you, Mr. President. [27:58] As a duly elected senator of this republic, I am concerned and disturbed by what happened to our colleague, Senator Baton de la Rosa, while he was entering this August chamber. [28:20] And when he entered this August chamber, according to him, he was wrestled by some members of the National Bureau of Investigation. [28:31] How can we allow other people to wrestle or even not to let him or preventing him to enter this August chamber? [28:48] Ano ang ginagawa ng sergeant at arms? [28:52] Bakit nila pinapayagan ito na gawin ito sa isang senador, isang halal na senador? [29:05] Sila, tanong ng tanong bakit hindi pumapasok si Senator de la Rosa. [29:10] Ngayon at pumapasok, pinipigilan lang pumasok. [29:12] I am so concerned, kahit siguro, miyembro ng majority, minority, basta inabuso ng kahit sino man ang isang halal na senador, [29:29] pagtatangkol ko rin. [29:33] Ngayon, gusto ko lang po malaman kung bakit hinaharas ang pagpasok ni Senator de la Rosa dito sa kapulungan na ito. [29:44] So, may I know the answer, maybe we can suspend the rules and ask the sergeant at arms what really transpired when Senator de la Rosa was about to enter the senator. [29:58] Mr. President, dear colleagues, I requested the sergeant at arms when we were on break before you elected this representation to review the footage of the CCTV. [30:14] Has it been reviewed? [30:15] Yeah. [30:15] So, since it has been reviewed, will you be ready to answer what happened? [30:19] Factually lang. [30:20] Is there any objection to suspend the rules so that we can hear directly from the sergeant at arms? [30:26] He's ready to give a report given that he saw the CCTV footage. [30:32] Yeah. [30:33] With the permission of the body, if there's no objection. [30:36] Yes, there's no objection. [30:37] Yes. [30:39] The former Senate president? [30:43] Yes. [30:43] There was a motion, Mr. Former Senate president, after I inquired with the sergeant at arms, he has viewed the CCTV and has saw what happened. [30:55] So, he will just tell us and give us a report if there's no objection. [31:01] Well, I have reservations, Mr. President, because it has never been done in the Senate. [31:11] We have not suspended the rules while in plenary just to talk to the sergeant at arms. [31:18] We can do it after the adjournment. [31:20] Why don't we do it the usual way, which is let's adjourn and then conduct a hearing of the Senate and ask the sergeant at arms? [31:30] Well, two reasons, Mr. Former Mr. President. [31:34] Number one, it's also never been done that a senator being prevented to attend and being wrestled. [31:41] Number two, in the past, we have suspended the rules and asked members of the executive. [31:46] So, actually, I don't think there are going to be interpolations of grilling or if ever it's through me. [31:53] But I think it's a matter of the survival of the Senate because if we cannot even be assured that we can come to the session. [32:00] I also want to ask the sergeant at arms, is it true that there are still agents of the NBI who are, in fact, still inside the Senate and what is their business here, being here? [32:15] Yes, that is the— [32:17] Go ahead, Senator. [32:18] Go ahead. I'm sorry, sir. [32:19] No, Senator Batto was just raising his hand. [32:22] I was about to say, I don't think it was the sergeant at times who was preventing Senator De Rosa. [32:28] It was some elements from another agency, not the sergeant at arms. [32:33] I agree, Mr. President. That's why my statement is we will allow him to give a report based on the CCTV that he has examined as our— [32:42] With your permission, Senator Soto, can we recognize Senator Batto? [32:45] Yeah, sure. [32:46] Before acting on your reservation. [32:48] Yeah, thank you, Mr. President. [32:51] As of now, Mr. President, Antonio Trillanes and some NBI operatives are still at the library, Mr. President. [33:02] May I move that the sergeant at arms remove these people from the vicinity of the Senate? [33:12] Mr. President, dear colleagues, Senator Trillanes, as a former member of the Senate, is welcome in the Senate and will, of course, be given due courtesy unless he has— [33:34] He is part of the harassment, Mr. President. [33:36] Unless he is part of the harassment, so— [33:38] Kasama niya! [33:39] You gave me that answer. [33:40] Siya ang nagwa sa NBI na harangin ako dito. [33:42] Bakit natin hayaan siya nandito siya? [33:44] Yes, with that clarification, is there any objection that we ask the— [33:51] We will ask the NBI to leave except for the person or people who assaulted you because, in my view, our legals should bring them for inquest because they were caught flagrante delicto assaulting a senator in our premises. [34:10] Yung nag-assult sa'yo, hindi dapat pakawalan. Dapat dalin sa for inquest. [34:16] Yung kung walang kilalaman na nandito at wala silang official business dito, may motion ang Senator Bato na paalisin sila sa Senate. Is there any objection? [34:29] Mr. President. [34:30] Yes, Mr. President. [34:31] Senator Soto first. [34:32] I have no objection to the motion of Senator De La Rosa. [34:36] As a matter of fact, I will probably support this motion, but parliamentary rules dictate that we settle first the previous motion. [34:46] Yes, yes. [34:47] There is an pending motion eh. [34:49] Kaya hindi pwedeng patungan ng lesser motion. [34:51] Thank you. [34:52] Thank you for that reminder. [34:53] So that's the first motion of Senator Diinggo Estrada unless he wants to withdraw the motion. [34:58] Yes. [34:59] Senator Pia Cayetano, is it on the same topic or a different topic? [35:02] It's a continuation of the removal of the person. [35:05] So I can wait until this motion is resolved. [35:07] Yes. [35:08] Let's act first on that. [35:10] Senator Estrada, may I ask if you can withdraw because I think mas urgent na umalis na muna yung mga NBI. [35:16] Then we can have a short huddle with the sergeant at arms, whether we will ask him to report here officially. [35:25] Mr. President, may I may? [35:27] Yes. [35:28] Sana, bago sila paalisin, i-identify muna natin yung mga naghaharang sa akin at i-inquish natin. [35:34] Kapailan natin ang kaso, bago sila paalisin dito lahat. [35:38] Diyan, para tayong King Queen dito, inassault na tayo dito sa ating opisina. [35:42] Tapos walang mangyari, paalisin lang natin. [35:46] We have to arrest them. [35:48] Let me clarify, Senator Bato, that's my point a while ago. [35:51] Papaalisin yung mga walang kilalaman sa pag-assault sa'yo. [35:56] Correct. [35:57] And that is not limited to those who threw punches or wrestled you. [36:02] Meaning, if they are in conspiracy together in trying to prevent you from attending the session… [36:09] I'm sure Trillianis is involved, Mr. President. [36:12] Then, my suggestion is to consult with the legal and to bring them for inquest. [36:19] But before that, I will follow the suggestion of Senator Soto. [36:23] Can we first dispose or withdraw muna? [36:29] Mr. President, I withdraw my previous motion. [36:33] So, since the motion is withdrawn, Senator Pia? [36:38] Yes. [36:39] I think this is what the Senate President had in mind in any case. [36:42] Let me just put on record, I think Senator Bato will also welcome this. [36:47] Before removing anyone who is not involved, we have to determine who is involved and who is not involved. [36:51] Obviously, I think that's quite obvious, but to be clear with the instructions of the Senate President, [36:56] everybody here should be dealt with because they are here for a reason. [37:01] We need to hear from them. They should give their testimony. [37:04] Kung bakit sila nandito? Sino ang nagpapunta sa kanila dito? Ano ang instructions sa kanila? [37:08] Kahit tumayo lang sila dito? We want to know why are they here? [37:11] So, just to be clear, I'm pretty sure that is what the Senate President meant. [37:15] But perhaps we can instruct our legal team very carefully bago paalisen. [37:20] Pati yung identification nila, yung official identification nila, baka may mag-missing in action diyan. [37:25] We just want to be clear that everyone who even witnessed, even if they were just a witness, [37:31] we would want to have access to them, Mr. President. Thank you. [37:34] Let me clarify. If the committees themselves can hold indirect or indirect contempt, [37:40] unruly guests, may they be witnesses, may they be our employees, or whatsoever, [37:49] basta't non-members ng Senate, e lalo na, na pwedeng mag-direct or indirect contempt dito sa Senado. [37:58] But we are dealing with two separate things, whether what they did was contemptuous, [38:02] and then secondly, whether there was a criminal offense committed within our premises, [38:08] in front of our faces, that gives us the right for an arrest, and ask the DOJ for an inquest. [38:16] That is why I think the Sergeant at Arms took our instructions a while ago, not only to view the video, [38:23] but to conduct an immediate investigation. Maybe we can have a two-minute suspension, [38:31] and consult with the Sergeant at Arms kung nasaan na yung investigation nila, [38:37] before we ask anyone to leave the Senate. [38:39] Tama si Senator Batot at Senator Piye. Baka palisin natin, [38:43] pero baka naman sila yung dapat arrestuhin. [38:47] So, we'll suspend for one minute. We'll give everyone a few minutes to get into the session hall. [54:32] The Sergeant at Arms has produced the video. I think the best evidence of what happened is the video itself. [54:45] So, we'll give all members an opportunity to view it, including yung mga kapatid natin sa media, [54:53] and then we will make our conclusions after we see the video. [54:57] So, I'll suspend for just a real two minutes, and then we will play the tape. [55:03] So, if the audio-video room, if the technical aspect is ready, [1:00:21] please play the CCTV footage of Senator Batot's arrival today. [1:00:29] The Chair will recognize Senator Marcoleta, who had the floor before our colleagues suggested that we watch for ourselves. [1:04:53] So, we will be asking the OSA to identify who among those who were chasing Senator Batot were NBI agents. [1:05:02] Mr. President, we have seen it all. I think this is the best evidence that can prove that the good Senator, [1:05:30] our colleague in this institution, is being chased by authorities. [1:05:35] I'm not sure where they got the authority to chase him, and incidentally, [1:05:40] I think he's about to be captured by them for purposes of serving him, or rendering him, or even surrendering him to the ICC. [1:05:51] I'd like to ask, Mr. President, what is the authority of the National Bureau of Investigation in executing, for example, [1:06:02] even if for the sake of an argument that the ICC issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Batot? [1:06:10] As far as I know, Mr. President, the counterpart of the Interpol, which is the serving arm of the ICC in executing warrants, [1:06:22] the Interpol's counterpart in this country is PCTC, which is the Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes. [1:06:33] And I check that it is now under, it used to be under the office of the President, [1:06:41] and under the control of, control and supervision of the NAPOLCOM, but I think it's now under the control of the DILG. [1:06:52] So, my question is, how come that the NBI is chasing Senator Batot for an apparent warrant of arrest, [1:07:07] which the former Senator Trillanes has been showing around that he got a warrant of arrest, [1:07:15] and he is personally serving it to the Senator? [1:07:19] The first question is, is former Senator Trillanes now the sheriff of the ICC? [1:07:27] He has been working with the Interpol, Mr. President. [1:07:30] This is all questionable. [1:07:35] As I said earlier, Mr. President, this is not only an assault to our colleague, [1:07:41] but principally it is an assault, an insult to this institution. [1:07:48] Hindi natin pwedeng palampasin ito, Mr. President. [1:07:56] We need to protect the Senator. [1:07:59] As I said earlier, and I manifested that Trillanes himself was a beneficiary of this institution's security. [1:08:09] Humingi po siya ng Senate Protective Custody nung panahon na kinailangan niya po ito. [1:08:19] Ngayon, ironically, he's the one executing the very act which prevented him from being assaulted at the time. [1:08:32] Masyado pong nakakabahala na ang nangyayari, Mr. President. [1:08:38] I think all these people, I think we can identify all these people in due time. [1:08:46] They did not only violate Article 145 of the revised penal code as I earlier manifested. [1:08:55] Former Senator Trillanes is even guilty of usurping authority, Mr. President. [1:09:03] Hindi natin pwedeng palampasin po ito. [1:09:06] In the meantime, I'd like to move, Mr. President, that in the light of the recent adoption of the Senate, of Senate Resolution No. 44, [1:09:17] I move that Senator Batobi place under the Senate Protective Custody, Mr. President, [1:09:25] until he's able to get all and exhaust all legal remedies to protect himself, [1:09:41] and until this institution is also able to do just the same. [1:09:45] Mr. President, Article 59 of Rome's Statute is very, very clear. [1:09:57] Even for the sake of an argument that there is a valid warrant of arrest against our colleague, [1:10:06] Article 59 still states that the person to be arrested must be promptly delivered to a competent judicial authority [1:10:20] in order to accomplish at least three things. [1:10:24] Number one, to identify or to ascertain the identity of the person being arrested. [1:10:31] Number two, whether the processes, the legal processes, have been observed. [1:10:38] And number three, whether or not his rights were protected. [1:10:41] This is very, very important for purposes of protecting the due process and the rule of law, [1:10:49] which our colleague can avail, Mr. President. [1:10:54] The motion is consistent with our rules, is consistent with Senate Resolution No. 44, is consistent with Presidents. [1:11:09] So is there any objection? If not, the motion is carried? [1:11:18] Mr. President. [1:11:23] So consistent with past practices, Senator Bato will enjoy the protection of the law and the protection of the Senate [1:11:44] in accordance with our rules and with Philippine laws. [1:11:48] Thank you. Mr. President, may I have the floor, Mr. President? [1:11:51] Yes, Majority Leader. [1:11:53] Mr. President, as I was looking and watching the CCTV, Mr. President, I recall, Mr. President, every time we have a committee hearing, [1:12:08] any member of the Senate would move to cite in contempt someone who is lying, Mr. President. [1:12:18] So my position, Mr. President, looking at what happened to our dear colleague, and I'm going to do this, Mr. President, whether you are in majority or minority, [1:12:34] you are an elected official, Mr. President. [1:12:38] And for someone, especially coming from a different agency of the government, trying to do something like that in violation of Article 147, Chapter 2 of our revised penal code, Mr. President. [1:13:00] Maybe, Mr. President, it is the right time for us, while we are having a session, to cite in contempt these individuals trying to prevent Senator Bato de la Rosa from reporting for work to do his job as elected Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. [1:13:26] So, Mr. President, Mr. President, if it is a proper motion, and I would leave this to the body, that we cite in contempt these individuals, Mr. President, that would be identified in this particular video, [1:13:44] trying to block, trying to prohibit Senator Bato de la Rosa from doing his job, Mr. President. [1:13:57] I submit, Mr. President, to the wisdom of the majority. [1:14:00] Is there any objection to holding the John and Jane, those who will be later identified in accordance with the CCTV, to hold them in contempt of the Senate? [1:14:12] Mr. President, I was suggesting, Mr. President, if the body is amenable to that, I will move, Mr. President, that we cite them in contempt. [1:14:25] Mr. President, because Mr. President, because you made that manifestation, Majority Leader, let me say this. [1:14:31] Not as Senate President, but as a member of the Philippine Bar, and as a humble servant of our people, as a Senator, each legislative body has to defend itself, especially versus existential threats. [1:14:49] When we only have 24 Senators, and in certain votes, you need 13, and we will allow that in our premises, without the proper coordination or without the proper due process, [1:15:04] what can be more existential than that? [1:15:11] There might be some reservations, but the tone of the hearings is that we have to hold them in contempt. [1:15:22] And for the record, when Senator Bato was chased by these agents, we were already in session. [1:15:31] I was already standing in the podium at the side and already was making that motion. [1:15:36] So even out of courtesy, regardless of their coordination, kung meron man o wala dito, [1:15:42] hindi dapat hinabol si Senator. Dapat pumunta sila dito sa taas. [1:15:46] Nakipag-usap sila. Gwardyahin nila lahat ng pinto. [1:15:51] Pero hindi dapat makipaghabulan sa kahit sinong Senador dito sa loob. [1:15:58] So it is really the pleasure of the body. [1:16:03] But if we do not take a hard stance regarding that, do not regret or do not ask ourselves why, [1:16:11] tomorrow baka may checkpoint na malapit sa bahay natin at huhulihin na tayo. [1:16:16] Because my understanding of parliamentary immunity goes to the extent of even being secure in our traveling to the Senate. [1:16:28] Eh eto na sa loob na ng Senado eh. [1:16:30] So majority leader, maybe you should consult the other Senators or make the motion and then... [1:16:37] So can we recognize first Senator Estrada? [1:16:41] Thank you, Mr. President. Just an additional violation of the elements of the National Bureau of Investigation, [1:16:54] who chased or who prevented Senator Bato from attending his sessions. [1:17:02] I invite the attention of our colleagues in Article 145 of the Revised Penal Code. [1:17:09] If I can read it to you, violation of parliamentary immunity. [1:17:14] The penalty of prison mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall use force, intimidation, threats or fraud [1:17:25] to prevent any member of the National Assembly from attending the meetings of the Assembly, [1:17:34] which in this case is the Senate, or any of its committees or subcommittees, constitutional commissions or committees, [1:17:44] or divisions thereof from expressing his opinions and casting his vote. [1:17:49] And the penalty of prison correctional shall be imposed upon any public officer or employee who shall, [1:17:56] while the Assembly is in regular or special session, arrest or search any member thereof, [1:18:02] except in case such member has committed a crime punishable under this code by a penalty higher than prison mayor. [1:18:10] That is all, Mr. President. [1:18:12] We take note of that, Senator Estrada, and it's 100% correct. [1:18:17] But the reason why the presiding officer has not mentioned administrative and criminal law is because [1:18:26] we can ask the Committee on Rules and the Committee on Public Order to have an investigation, [1:18:31] meaning my immediate concern is the integrity and the safety of the Senate as an institution. [1:18:42] It isn't even about Senator Bato. [1:18:45] They could be arresting people from the other side of the aisle or other side of the politics here. [1:18:54] I would have the same stand. [1:18:56] That you have to coordinate first, then we have to accept that they have legal authority. [1:19:02] If not, you give the Senator the opportunity to go to court, or as Senator Marcoleta said, all legal remedies. [1:19:11] There is no problem with legal remedies. [1:19:14] If we go to all the Presidents, you will see that the others will eventually surrender, [1:19:19] but the court is the law enforcement, not the law enforcement. [1:19:23] So my point is, we will deal with the administrative and criminal liabilities, if any, according to the findings of our committees. [1:19:32] But right now, before us, is the question of what does the Senate in plenary as a body do to protect itself. [1:19:41] And Senator Villanueva suggested holding them in contempt. [1:19:45] May I remind everyone that when someone is held in contempt, they are allowed to purge themselves of that contempt by either giving justifiable reason or by apologizing. [1:20:05] My information at this point in time, and anyone can correct me if I'm wrong, they are still here and they are still threatening to arrest him here. [1:20:15] So what is the pleasure, Majority Leader? [1:20:20] May I ask for a minute to suspend you, Mr. President? [1:20:26] Session is suspended. Majority Leader? [1:30:51] Mr. President, there was an earlier inquiry by this representation which led to the body's unanimous consent to move, [1:31:06] that we cite in contempt those individuals running after Senator Bato de la Rosa, [1:31:14] trying to block him from doing his job. [1:31:19] And until such a time that they can satisfactorily explain to us what happened, Mr. President, [1:31:31] the body, with the permission of everyone here, that we move, that we cite these individuals in contempt. [1:31:40] So move, Mr. President. [1:31:41] Is there any objection? [1:31:42] Mr. President. [1:31:45] If not, the John Doe's and Jane Doe's as identified individuals are held in contempt. [1:31:51] I am directing the OSA to put in custody, Senate custody, to the said individuals and to detain them in the Senate premises. [1:32:04] If they need assistance, you're authorized to coordinate with the Pasay City PNP. [1:32:13] Until such time that those held in contempt can purge themselves of contempt, meaning to satisfy us with their explanation. [1:32:27] Senator Maculeta, are you satisfied with that? [1:32:30] Yes, Mr. President, I'm satisfied. [1:32:36] Incidentally, I think the incident this afternoon can also be used to appeal to the Supreme Court that it's now high time for them to dispose or act on the petition, on the inquiry, whether or not the former president was or the abduction of the former president violated Philippine laws. [1:33:11] And if they can act precisely on the basis of what happened today, we will be guided in future incidents that may happen. [1:33:23] Sana wala naman. [1:33:24] Pero sana, if they can decide as soon as possible, Mr. President, considering what happened today, they should include in that disposition a guideline sa mga ganitong pagkakataon. [1:33:38] Your comments are in order and noted. [1:33:42] Mr. President, to add, because we have an existing law, I'm citing Republic Act 9851, which is about transnational crimes, international crimes, crimes against humanity. [1:33:58] Ang sinasabi po rin, Mr. President, is very clear, specifically under Articles 17 and 18, na kung saan, sinasabi sa ganitong mga kaso, ang talagang merong jurisdiction, primary jurisdiction ay yung ating local courts, Mr. President. [1:34:20] Eh, papano ngayong mangyayari na mas kakatigan pa ng mga taong gustong humuli kay Sen. Bato yung sinasabi na Warren Tobarest? [1:34:36] Alin ba yung pakikinga nila? Alin ba yung una nilang tutuparin? [1:34:40] Yung inaatas ng isang korte ng kanyang jurisdiction is not questionable considering that we have already withdrawn from the Rome Statute. [1:34:52] Bakit po yun ang kanilang gagamitin? [1:34:56] Halimbawa po sa Article 17, Mr. President, sinasabi po doon na yung surrender o yung extradition ay pwedeng gawin in accordance with existing extradition laws or treaties. [1:35:14] Alam naman natin, hindi naman po bansa ang ICC, Mr. President. [1:35:18] To further your discussion, Senator Marculeta, under the ICC rules, if a nation exits ICC, they're given one year to authorize an investigation. [1:35:38] And this was brought up by the former President's Defense Team that the investigation happened one year after. [1:35:47] After na one year, yung investigation which led to the charges. [1:35:51] But yet, in the appeals court ng ICC, they upheld the charges. [1:35:57] So what is the net effect na ito for the public to know and for members of our PNP and AFP to know? [1:36:03] That means that under the Duterte ruling, whether it's the Marawi siege, whether it is the battle, the 30, 40, 50 year fight with the Communist Party, CPP, NPA, [1:36:23] the ICC now can suddenly come out with warrants for any cabinet member or any elected official or any general or colonel or sergeant of our military and police under the doctrine that they did under Duterte. [1:36:39] So if you do not have to pass Philippine courts, then we will have dozens, two dozen, four dozens, a hundred former Senator Trillanes going to different places and just picking up anyone and saying that they have to be brought to the Hague. [1:37:01] So that would be ridiculous. [1:37:04] So that is precisely why we passed Senate Resolution 44, that each Filipino, regardless of political color, regardless of background, will have to have their day in court. [1:37:18] Having said that, we will, in fact, deal with that during the hearings of the Committee on Rules and the Committee on Public Order. [1:37:30] What is important right now is that we assure the Philippine Republic that the Senate is functioning and there is no threat from stopping us by any legal machination or manipulation. [1:37:44] Having said that, Senator Marcoleto, with your indulgence, just while we were passing the motion to hold in contempt the NBI agents, [1:37:56] retired Major General Renesi Samonte, our Sergeant of Arms, gave me this. [1:38:02] May 11, 2026, for Senate President Alan Peter S. Caetano, sir, as directed herewith, is the sequence of events as to the reported assault on Senator Ronald De La Rosa. [1:38:17] Earlier this morning, 0700 hours, NBI NCR Chief, Attorney Dong Gallo, paid a call to the undersigned to coordinate an arrest order. [1:38:27] As per agreement, the supposedly arrest should be affected when the warrant of arrest is presented as per guidance of former Senate President Vicente C. Soto. [1:38:39] On or about 2 p.m., the warrant of arrest was shown to the former Senate President in the presence of the undersigned, [1:38:45] but copies were not allowed to be distributed. [1:38:48] Truly yours. [1:38:49] So the investigation will bear out what happened. [1:38:53] The point I want to make is that, even assuming fully coordinated yung arrest warrant, [1:39:00] they should have approached Senator Bato or approached the Sergeant at Arms, [1:39:06] given a copy of the warrant and negotiate his surrender because they are in Senate premises. [1:39:11] Pero instead, nakipaghabulan sila. [1:39:14] Hinabol nila, they attempted to stop Senator Bato from attending the session. [1:39:19] Even ordinary arrest, consihal, vice mayor, sangganuyan panglalawigan, even SK. [1:39:28] When they're in session, usually yung police pupunta doon, magpo-pause, [1:39:31] i-co-coordinate sa presiding officer at sasabihin, eto ang warrant of arrest. [1:39:36] So we cannot excuse yung pagkahagod o yung habulan inside the Senate premises. [1:39:45] Now, as to whether the NBI is justified, whether there are any criminal laws violated, [1:39:52] whether there are administrative laws, we will wait for the investigation. [1:39:55] So we are holding them in contempt precisely because of the actions they've taken [1:40:01] and the manner in which they tried to, not arrest, [1:40:07] but to prevent Senator Bato from reaching the Senate plenary hall. [1:40:12] Mr. President, having held them in contempt, I believe an investigation is proper. [1:40:19] Yes. [1:40:19] Thank you, Mr. President. [1:40:20] So we refer all of the comments after the previous referral to the Committee on Rules [1:40:27] and Committee of Public Order. [1:40:29] So all of these comments said in plenary is, including the videotape, [1:40:34] including the spot report of the Sergeant of Arms, is referred to the two committees. [1:40:42] Senator Bato. [1:40:43] Mr. President, while the investigation is pending, [1:40:50] this representation would like to move that the current Sergeant at Arms [1:40:57] be replaced with the former Sergeant at Arms, [1:41:04] the General Mau Aplaska. [1:41:08] Mr. President, I so move. [1:41:10] If I may intervene, I appreciate your immediate action, Sergeant at Arms, [1:41:20] and you're very, I had a couple of sidebars this afternoon. [1:41:28] And I think this is my only interaction with you, except for bumping into you. [1:41:35] He's been very candid. [1:41:36] He's acted on it right away. [1:41:41] But just given the situation now, I tend to agree with Senator Bato that in the meantime, [1:41:50] we have an acting Sergeant at Arms, but if the good general can continue assisting the Senate, [1:42:00] your service is very much appreciated. [1:42:03] But I think it will also protect you from future, before we decide on the motion of Senator Bato, [1:42:12] Senator Mercoleta. [1:42:13] So my point is that the motion of Senator Bato, in my view, does not reflect on your actions, [1:42:22] but is really in the nature of like when we have preventive suspensions. [1:42:26] It's just to make sure that everything is in order while the investigation is ongoing. [1:42:32] Senator Mercoleta. [1:42:33] Mr. President, I don't think we can make that conclusion today, [1:42:40] that whatever happened now or earlier this afternoon does not reflect to the work of the Sergeant at Arms. [1:42:49] Preliminary. I agree. [1:42:50] Because I'd like to ask whether in his explanation, the former Senate President knew that that was the way [1:43:00] that a sitting Senator be treated, even for the sake of an argument that there is a valid warrant of arrest. [1:43:13] Was the procedure explained to the former Senate President that the way he should be arrested [1:43:23] was explained and approved by the former Senate President? [1:43:31] That is the question that the Secretary General should answer. [1:43:36] Because if the former Senate President allowed it, then he himself was responsible in what happened earlier. [1:43:46] I cannot answer that question, but I assume or I give the benefit of the doubt or assume regularity [1:43:53] that no Senator would allow that manner of arrest. [1:43:57] Having said that, as you said, these are all preliminary. [1:44:01] But the concern, I think, of Senator Bato is not only this investigation, [1:44:05] but also the security of the session hall and his security in the next few days. [1:44:10] That's especially the reason, Mr. President, because I think Senator Bato is very apprehensive [1:44:17] of what is yet to be happening after this session. [1:44:23] So he should be placed in a situation where we can all be confident that nobody, just nobody can touch him. [1:44:34] I agree, Senator Merculeta, and I will make myself available. [1:44:37] It is now in the hands of the Secretary General, considering that we already moved [1:44:42] and that and we already resolved that he be given protective custody. [1:44:46] So the NBI has a director. [1:44:49] The director NBI is under the Department of Justice that has a secretary. [1:44:55] The secretary is a member of the cabinet, which is under the, which is the altering of the president. [1:45:03] But we have an executive secretary, president. [1:45:05] So I will make myself available for the discussion and for their legal point of view. [1:45:12] But one thing I will make clear, that it is in contempt of the Senate to execute their warrant in a manner that they did so. [1:45:21] And it is possibly an excuse that you were actually executing a warrant of arrest [1:45:28] because for us, it's very clear they were preventing Senator Bato from participating in this afternoon session. [1:45:36] Yan nga po yung aking naiisip. [1:45:39] Kasi kung alam na po at pinaalam sa kanya na andito pala sila umaga pa, preparado na sila, [1:45:46] yun na lamang pong tinatanong ko, ganun po ba yung paraan? [1:45:50] Sinabi po ba nila yung paraan na hindi man lang nila papapasukin dito, hahabulin nila? [1:45:55] Kamuntik na nga siyang nahulog sa agdanan. [1:45:57] Nakita ko po kanina at nabali pa yung dalawang niyang daliri. [1:46:00] Kasi ito ba ay inexplained sa ating former Senate President na alam kong hindi naman niya papayagan? [1:46:07] Ngayon, kung nangyari po, pati yung ating former President, hindi na po nila nirispeto. [1:46:13] Pati po yung ating institution. [1:46:14] Ito po yung magiging problema. [1:46:16] Salamat po, Mr. President. [1:46:17] There are many, many issues that we have to untanggal. [1:46:21] In the meantime, there are many, many problems the country is facing. [1:46:25] And we have to meet regarding the committees and the direction of the Senate. [1:46:30] So, Majority Leader, what's the parliamentary status? [1:46:32] And what's the suggestion of the gentleman who is now very much present? [1:46:45] So, kailangan ng 13. [1:46:46] Oh, my motion siya. [1:46:48] There is a motion. [1:46:50] Yeah. [1:46:52] So, yeah, dinabe yan. [1:46:56] Session suspended. [1:48:54] May I correct myself? [1:48:57] And again, thank Major General René Samonte, retired, who actually told me that he will not only fully participate but help us in the transition. [1:49:07] But he already submitted a resignation letter as we were discussing this. [1:49:13] So, is there a nomination? [1:49:14] Mr. President, the parliamentary status is that the gentleman from Davao, Senator Bato de la Rosa, [1:49:23] made a motion to nominate a new sergeant at arms, Mr. President. [1:49:29] So, may we recognize Senator Bato de la Rosa? [1:49:32] New or old new? [1:49:36] Bagong luma, Mr. President. [1:49:37] Mr. President, I would like to nominate for the position of sergeant at arms, [1:49:43] our former sergeant at arms, retired police major general, mawa-aplas ka. [1:49:53] I assume, Mr. President. [1:49:54] Mr. President, dear colleagues, sorry, hindi pa ako sanay. [1:49:59] Dear colleagues and Senator Bato, [1:50:01] So, your nominee is now presently the CA sergeant of arms? [1:50:07] Yes, Mr. President. [1:50:08] With your permission, may I recommend that we have him acting first in both capacities so that he will maintain muna the CA, [1:50:17] then we can talk in the next few days? [1:50:19] Yes, Mr. President. [1:50:21] I agree. [1:50:21] So, his official plantilla will still be with the CA, [1:50:26] but he will act as our concurrent sergeant at arms of the Senate of the Philippines. [1:50:32] Yes, Mr. President. [1:50:33] Thank you. [1:50:36] May I move that we close the period of nomination for our designation, Mr. President, [1:50:44] of our sergeant at arms. [1:50:46] So, move, Mr. President. [1:50:47] Can you give his full name, please, so that we can... [1:50:50] I don't know the full name. [1:50:51] So, does he have to take his oath or designate it? [1:50:54] I don't know the full name. [1:50:55] So, he'll be acting on his oath under the CA, no? [1:51:02] Yeah. [1:51:02] Just the full name for the record. [1:51:05] Police Major... [1:51:06] Retired Police Major General Mau-aplas ka. [1:51:11] Yes, we call upon you again, General, for service to the Senate. [1:51:15] Thank you. [1:51:15] Mr. President, may we recognize the gentleman, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, [1:51:33] who is seeking the floor, Mr. President. [1:51:36] One minute suspension. [1:53:24] Leader. [1:53:25] Mr. President, the distinguished gentleman from the great provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Rizal [1:53:31] is seeking the floor. [1:53:33] May I move that we recognize Senator Rodante Marcoleta. [1:53:37] Senator Marcoleta is recognized. [1:53:40] Thank you, Mr. President. [1:53:41] Mr. President, I'd like to propose an amendment to Rule 14, Section 41, Senate Session. [1:53:52] The proposal, Mr. President, is by way of an additional paragraph, Section 41C, [1:54:03] after Section 41B of the Rule 14 of the Senate Rules, [1:54:10] which will state as follows, Mr. President. [1:54:12] Section 41C, allow a senator, for justifiable reasons, to attend and participate in the session [1:54:20] through teleconference, videoconference, or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means [1:54:27] using appropriate information and communications technology. [1:54:32] I so move, Mr. President. [1:54:38] I do not have an objection, and I actually see the logic. [1:54:41] But let's give the Committee on Rules a few minutes to meet and discuss. [1:54:48] So we suspend so that the... [1:54:50] We only took out the chairman, but the Committee on Rules can meet on the floor. [1:54:55] One minute to spend. [1:54:57] Yeah, that's why I'm suspending. [1:54:58] That's why I'm suspending. [1:55:00] Suspending. [1:55:00] You're not suspending. [1:55:01] You're not suspending. [1:55:02] You're not suspending. [1:55:03] You're not suspending. [1:55:04] You're not suspending. [1:55:05] You're not suspending. [1:55:06] You're not suspending. [1:55:07] You're not suspending. [1:55:08] You're not suspending. [1:55:09] You're not suspending. [1:55:10] You're not suspending. [1:55:11] You're not suspending. [1:55:12] You're not suspending. [1:55:13] You're not suspending. [1:55:14] You're not suspending. [1:55:15] You're not suspending. [1:55:16] You're not suspending. [1:55:17] You're not suspending. [1:55:18] You're not suspending. [1:55:19] You're not suspending. [1:55:20] You're not suspending. [1:55:21] You're not suspending. [1:55:22] You're not suspending. [1:55:23] You're not suspending. [1:55:24] You're not suspending. [1:55:25] You're not suspending. [1:55:26] You're not suspending.