Sitwasyon sa pag-aresto kay Sen. Jinggoy Estrada — ABS-CBN News (June 1, 2026)

[0:30] Madam President, with the permission of the body, last May 11, 2026, the distinguished gentleman from Tarlac, Pampanga, and Rizal, [0:56] Senator Rodante Marcoleta, proposed an amendment to the rules of the Senate, particularly Rule 14, Section 41. [1:04] Pursuant to rule, Section 136 of our rules of the Senate, a motion to amend the rules must be presented at least one day before its consideration. [1:15] Hence, Madam President, in compliance with our rules, the gentleman from Tarlac, Pampanga, and Rizal, Senator Marcoleta, is seeking the floor, Madam President. [1:26] I move that he be recognized to explain his proposed motion, Madam President. [1:32] We recognize Senator Rodante Marcoleta. [1:38] Thank you, Madam President. [1:41] Madam President, I would just like to reiterate for the record the proposal to amend Rule 14, Section 41, Senate Session. [1:51] The proposal, Madam President, is by way of an additional paragraph, Section 41C, after Section 41B of Rule 14 of the Senate Rules, which will state as follows. [2:05] Section 41C, allow a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference, videoconference, or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate information and communication technology. [2:25] So move, Madam President. [2:37] We take note of the motion of Senator Rodante Marcoleta. [2:40] I recognize Senator Ping Natsun. [2:42] Yes, thank you, Madam President. [2:45] This is a parliamentary inquiry. [2:48] What is the status of the motion introduced by the Honorable Marcoleta last May 11? [2:57] Has it been referred to the Committee on Rules? [2:59] I am told that it's been referred to the Committee on Rules, Majority Leader. [3:04] Yes, it has been referred to the Committee on Rules, and that's why in this particular deliberation, the Committee on Rules is giving it back to the floor for a plenary action, Madam President. [3:19] Thank you, Mr. President. [3:21] Has the Committee on Rules been constituted? [3:28] I believe that Senator Joel Villanueva is the Acting Majority Leader. [3:32] Yes. [3:32] And would be the best position to answer the question. [3:34] Thank you, Madam President. [3:35] In the meantime, I recognize Senate President Cayetano. [3:38] Madam Chair, with the permission of Senator Villanueva, so the Committee on Rules is not reporting out the proposal. [3:46] No, my question, Mr. President, I'm sorry, Madam President, with your permission, my question is, has the Committee on Rules been constituted? [3:55] Yes. [3:55] Yes. [3:56] So, Madam President, the answer there is the same answer to the question of Senator Pangilinan and Senator, former Senate President Soto, that in accordance with Section 19, this is the same, they continue to function. [4:14] Having said that, I was explaining that the motion of Senator Villanueva was not for the Committee on Rules to report out what was referred to them, but to return to the plenary. [4:27] Because if you look at Section 136 of our rules, the rules may be amended by means of a motion, which should be presented at least one day before its consideration, and a vote of majority senators present shall be required for its approval. [4:43] So, you do not need the endorsement, nor the forwarding of the Committee of Rules for the amendment of the Committee on, for the amendments of the rules. [4:56] So, the only requirement is that it is put on the floor at least one day before, or the proposal is made, and that a majority of the senators present will vote for its approval. [5:11] So, I just wanted to clarify that, just so that we don't have any miscommunication that whether or not the Rules Committee met, who are the members, et cetera, because right now that's irrelevant, because we have given back to the plenary the proposal. [5:29] Yeah. [5:29] Very clear. Thank you, Senate President. [5:31] Madam President. [5:32] Senator Laxon's recommendation. [5:33] Does it mean that we are now disregarding the committees of the Senate? [5:37] So, the committee chairman, or the chairman of any committee, including the Rules Committee, may just report out any motion or any resolution referred to it in plenary, and then just, you know, it is within his power to just report it out by himself, without any deliberation in the committee, without any committee report. [6:04] Is that the new rule now, Mr. President, Madam President? [6:07] Mr. President, there's no new rule. [6:10] I read the rule. [6:11] Senator Laxon is referring to resolutions or communications or anything referred to the Committee on Rules. [6:20] We're talking about a motion to amend the rules. [6:25] We had the option of taking it up, but since everyone asked for one more day, it was given to the Committee on Rules. [6:32] The Committee on Rules has an option to take it up, but the acting majority leader or acting chairman of the committee gave it back to plenary, and the plenary is more, how do I put it? [6:48] Supreme. [6:48] Supreme. [6:49] Thank you, Senator Laxon, over the committee. [6:52] So we didn't disregard the committee. [6:53] It is our choice from the start whether we want to give it to the committee or not. [6:58] So when we give it, so for example, I have a motion now to extend the session to June 12 instead of June 5. [7:11] That can be given to the Committee on Rules, or upon coordination with the House, the plenary can decide it directly, or we can give it to the Committee on Rules, and after he talks to the House of Representatives, he can even report it out, or he can easily, legally, morally, just say that I am tossing it back to the plenary, which is what's happening today. [7:37] Thank you, Madam President. [7:38] Thank you, Madam President. [7:38] That is assuming that there was no referral. [7:42] But in this case, and I'd like to invite the attention of the body to journal number 62, dated May 11, 2026. [7:52] And if I may read the particular portion of this journal, proposed at 6.25 PM, the session was resumed, proposed amendment to the rules of the Senate. [8:08] Senator Marcoleta proposed an amendment to rule 14 Senate sessions of the rules by inserting a new paragraph C under rule 41, which reads, A or C, allow a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference, video conference, or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate information and communications technology. [8:37] Now, here's the portion, Mr. President, or Madam President, while expressing no objection to the proposal, Senate President Cayetano A suggested giving the Committee on Rules time to discuss the matter. [8:51] Now, my question is, was there any discussion by the Committee on Rules? [8:55] Apparently, there was none, because it's now being reported out by the Acting Majority Leader without consultation with any of the members. [9:04] And by the way, Mr. Madam President, I believe that it was mentioned, and I will reiterate from my understanding that there was no Committee on Rules meeting, because that motion is reverted back to plenary. [9:22] Madam Chair. [9:23] Meaning, we are not ignoring the fact that, of course, committees must hold meetings, but this particular motion is being referred back to plenary. [9:36] And may we just put on record, it says in rule, or section 136, the rules may also be amended by means of a motion which should be presented at least one day, and we're complying with that before its consideration, and the vote of the majority of the senators present in this session shall be required for its approval. [9:56] I believe that is what the Senate President had explained. [9:59] Evidently, Madam President, action was taken, and the action was to refer it to the Committee on Rules, since the position of Majority Floor Leader was vacated. [10:10] So how can the Committee properly function in the absence of a Committee, yeah, of the Committee members? [10:21] As the Senate President had stated, there is a rule of a continuing operations of the Committee, while the new head has not been. [10:30] Mr. President, walang members ang Committee on Rules, so we cannot invoke continuity, because we vacated all committees, all positions, including the members. [10:41] And may I invite you to Section 24 of our Rules, Madam President. [10:45] The committees shall hold meetings to discuss, decide, and submit a report on all matters transmitted to them. [10:53] This was transmitted to the Committee on Rules. [10:56] So the Committee shall hold, including the Committee on Rules, shall hold meetings to discuss, decide, and submit a report. [11:04] There is no report, Mr. President or Madam President. [11:07] Madam President. [11:08] So we're violating our own rules. [11:10] We recognize Senate President. [11:12] Mr. President, the Chair already made a ruling, and it's not appropriate to argue with the Chair, [11:19] because, as explained to Senator Laxon, the Committee did not report it out. [11:25] He read the journal of May 11, but he did not read the motion of Senator Joel today. [11:33] His motion today was pursuant to Rule 136 of the Rules, a motion to amend the rules, meaning, [11:39] if Joel was no longer the majority leader, if I was the majority leader now, or even an ordinary member, [11:45] that motion was carried, no one objected that we take it up, because, Madam Chair, we're bringing it back to plenary. [11:55] So natural po, walang discussion sa Committee on Rules, kasi wala namang po sa rules natin na kailangan i-discuss sa Committee on Rules. [12:03] We did that on May 11 so that everyone will have an opportunity to study the rule. [12:09] It's a very simple amendment, so we should go to the discussion of the amendment if anyone is objecting to the amendment. [12:17] But definitely, the right to propose an amendment is a right guaranteed by our rules. [12:24] Senator Marcoleta has an amendment. [12:26] We should go to discussing the merits or demerits of having that rule. [12:32] You already ruled that it is proper for the plenary to take it up. [12:35] So may I request or move that we, if there are any objection, we discuss their objection. [12:41] I'm objecting. [12:43] That's the effect of my manifestation, Madam President. [12:47] I'm objecting because I'm invoking Section 24 of our rules. [12:51] And as I read into the records, the journal of May 11, 2026, [12:57] na-repair po ito sa Committee on Rules. [12:59] And there was no discussion. [13:01] Action was taken, actually, by this body. [13:05] Then, Madam Chair, if there's an objection, may I move that we divide the House? [13:10] Objection. [13:10] On that issue, not on the issue of whether or not the rule is good. [13:16] Your issue is whether or not it's proper to take it up on the floor. [13:23] The position of the majority is that there's no rule being violated. [13:28] So we will vote. [13:30] The presiding officer has already ruled, but the gentleman continues to object. [13:37] So we have to vote on it. [13:38] We're not voting on the amendment yet. [13:41] We're voting on whether the amendment is proper or not. [13:44] Yes. [13:45] Interjection, Madam President? [13:47] Yes, Minority Leader, Senator Soto. [13:49] We will have to support that resolution or thinking of Senator Laxon, [14:01] which is we did not constitute the Committee on Rules. [14:05] So what are we discussing right now? [14:07] I suggest that we constitute the Committee on Rules and discuss it there. [14:13] How do I know this? [14:14] Eh, ako, Minority Leader, eh. [14:16] Hindi ako member ng rules. [14:18] Ex-officio, eh. [14:19] Tumawag ba? [14:20] Hindi. [14:21] Ano to? [14:22] Binabraso? [14:23] Point of order, Madam Chairman. [14:26] Where in the rules does it say that an amendment has to pass the Committee on Rules? [14:32] Section 24, Madam President. [14:34] Anong sabi po sa Section 24? [14:36] The Committee shall hold meetings to discuss, decide, and submit a report on all matters transmitted to them. [14:43] Madam Chairman, that's not the rule. [14:45] The rule is 136. [14:47] 136. [14:48] Can you please, for the third time, may we request the Senate President to read into the record the rule 136. [14:53] The rules may be amended by means of a motion which would be presented at least one day before its consideration, [15:00] and the vote of the majority of the senators present in the session hall shall be required for its approval. [15:05] So I respect their objection. [15:09] But how do we determine objections in this Senate? [15:13] We vote. [15:14] So if there is an objection, they have already explained their position, we have explained our position. [15:23] I move that we divide the House, Madam Chair. [15:25] May I, Mr. President? [15:26] We are several members of the minority here, and only Senator Laxon has spoken. [15:36] Why are we railroading this process, Mr. President? [15:38] I have a number of issues that I'd like to raise regarding this motion, Mr. President. [15:44] They are citing Section 136, assuming, for the sake of argument, that their position is correct. [15:51] The second paragraph, Mr. President, says, the rules may also be amended by means of a motion, which should be presented at least one day before its consideration. [16:02] We submit, Mr. President, that the earlier motion that was entered or was referred to the Committee on Rules. [16:12] This is a new motion, Mr. President, and therefore we have to take consideration of the one-day requirement before we can act on it, Mr. President. [16:21] And that should be, if not tomorrow, because we don't have any session tomorrow, that should be on Monday, Mr. President. [16:27] Again, let me reiterate, the rules may also be amended by means of a motion, which should be presented at least one day before its consideration. [16:39] We submit that the motion that was mentioned last May 11 was referred to the Committee on Rules. [16:49] This is a new motion, Mr. President, that is being presented on the floor, which requires that it be presented one day before it is considered. [16:58] And therefore, we have to consider this motion on Monday, Mr. President. [17:02] As explained by the Acting Majority Leader, the motion of Senator Marcoleta has been brought to the plenary. [17:15] And both the majority and the minority had mentioned Rule Section 136, and it says that the vote of the majority of the senators present in session shall be required for the approval. [17:27] Madam President. [17:27] I believe that this rule has been mentioned more than five times. [17:31] Madam President. [17:32] I believe also that the interpretation of the rule is different. [17:37] So I take note of the manifestation of Senator Pangilinan. [17:41] Mr. President, if I may just continue, Mr. President. [17:46] All in previous... [17:48] Senator Laxon actually has the floor. [17:51] With the permission of Senator Laxon. [17:52] Senator Laxon has the floor. [17:54] May we continue with the manifestation of Senator Laxon. [17:58] And then, after him, he will yield to Senator Pangilinan. [18:04] Madam President, the invocation of the Senate President of Rule 136 is premised on the assumption that there was no action taken. [18:15] But we took action. [18:16] We referred it to the Committee on Rules. [18:18] So Section 24 now applies, Madam President. [18:23] We're going to just ram down our throat something that the numbers can dictate, Mr. President. [18:30] Yes, Senate President. [18:31] Madam Chair. [18:32] First of all, we're just repeating the arguments. [18:35] I respect his argument, but I disagree with it. [18:38] Secondly, they've used already three words. [18:42] Ram down their throat, railroaded, binabraso. [18:47] In this democratic institution, when we disagree, we vote. [18:55] When we have rules, we follow the rules. [18:58] The particular rule in amending the rules is 136. [19:02] We're following that. [19:03] So why are we using unparliamentary language to express or try to provoke the kind of argument we don't want between the majority and minority? [19:22] You have your opinion. [19:23] We respect that. [19:24] We have our opinion. [19:25] So how do we resolve that? [19:27] By voting. [19:28] Now, if you think we violated the rule, then go to court. [19:31] But we do not think that we violated the rule. [19:34] It is very clear. [19:35] So my point of order, Madam Chair, they're out of order by insisting that there's another rule except for 136. [19:42] So I move that we vote on it, Madam President. [19:45] We divide the House. [19:46] Objection. [19:47] Objection. [19:48] There's an objection. [19:49] Then we vote. [19:49] So may we proceed with the vote, Madam President. [19:52] Mr. President, I was earlier, it was the manifestation of the presiding officer, the Madam Chairperson, [20:00] that after Senator Laxon, I be allowed to speak, Mr. President. [20:03] Are we now curtailing my right to speak, Mr. President? [20:07] We are not able to ask questions as to why we are amending the rules. [20:12] We are not able to ask questions as to who they wish, who will benefit from the amendment to the rules. [20:19] Is this rule, Mr. President, for Senator Battov, who is not here, we would like to raise these valid questions, Mr. President, [20:29] before we go into a vote, Mr. President. [20:31] Yes, Mr. President, we should not be- [20:33] How can the presiding officer recognize Senator Pangilinan? [20:39] Please know that I would never curtail your right to speak, just as in 2004, I believe you were seated, [20:51] and I was a vice presidential candidate of FPJ then, and my microphone was closed, [20:57] and my right to speak was closed, was not given. [21:01] I remember that time now, and the word noted was said to me. [21:08] That will not happen now. [21:09] I will not do that to you, and I'm not curtailing your right to speak, Senator Pangilinan, [21:15] except that you were speaking at the same time, and I was about to recognize you, [21:20] because Senator Laxon had the floor. [21:23] Thank you, Madam President, for that clarification. [21:25] I just wanted to be clear on record, because I recognize you're being emotional, [21:32] but it will go on Senate record that the presiding officer was curtailing your right to speak. [21:38] I would never do that, and I would not do what I experienced in 2004 in the House of Representatives [21:45] in the canvassing of the votes then. [21:48] Mr. President, thank you. [21:49] Madam President, would you respect, Mr. President, I was not referring to the presiding officer. [21:54] I'm yielding the floor to Senator Pangilinan. [21:56] Yes, thank you, Senator Laxon. [21:58] We recognize Senator Francis Pangilinan. [22:00] Yes, Mr. President, and allow me to clarify, Madam President. [22:05] I was not referring to the presiding officer in terms of the curtailing of my right to speak [22:14] and to raise questions, Mr. President, because it was the Senate President [22:18] who was moving to divide the House, Mr. President, without sufficient debates. [22:26] Mr. President, this is the first time I'm going to experience this in a long time [22:30] wherein debates are now being curtailed, because there's a motion to divide the House. [22:34] Mr. President, we would like to hear your objection to the motion. [22:37] Thank you. [22:39] Mr. President, there are a lot of questions that have to be raised as to why this amendment [22:47] to the rules is being undertaken at this time. [22:51] President provides, Mr. President, that when we amend our rules, we do so by way of resolution. [22:59] We do not have that resolution now. [23:01] In fact, Mr. President, a total of 48 amendments of our rules all went through resolutions. [23:10] This is the first time after 48 amendments, Mr. President, that we do not have a resolution [23:15] so that we can both... [23:17] Point of order, Madam Chair. [23:18] ...and amend the rules properly, Mr. President. [23:20] Point of order. [23:22] Point of order. [23:23] Yes, Senate President. [23:25] Point of order takes precedence. [23:25] Yes. [23:26] First of all, I hope we learned our lesson. [23:28] Senator Pangilinan already apologized to Senator Padilla, then now you're shouting at us. [23:36] No? [23:37] No, the record will show, nakataped naman eh. [23:39] Ang taas-taas ng boses nyo eh. [23:41] Diba? [23:42] You were shouting at kaya nga hindi magkarinigan. [23:44] Now, what's my point of order? [23:47] We are not discussing the merits yet of the amendment. [23:51] No one's curtailing your rights because wala pa tayo dun eh. [23:57] Ang pinagbubutohan natin ngayon, kung pwedeng i-take up sa floor o hindi. [24:02] Yun ang itinatake up natin. [24:05] And the arguments have already been laid out. [24:10] And Senator Pangilinan and I were together in 2009, where we had debates here, where Senator [24:19] and Rile did not even allow amendments, and then we voted. [24:25] It depends on every issue, Madam Chair. [24:28] There's no specific rule of the amount of time. [24:32] I was asking the gentleman about certain issues in one resolution. [24:37] He refused nga for further interpolation and said, it's time to vote. [24:42] They were the majority. [24:44] So, Madam Chair, we're here. [24:45] We're willing. [24:46] Senator Mercoleta is ready to take questions. [24:49] Ang pinagbubutohan lang po natin ngayon, simple lang. [24:52] Whether or not we can take, whether or not the proposal to amend the rules is in order. [25:01] Yun pa lang ho. [25:02] Yung specific amendment, sino magbe-benefit, paano magbe-benefit, etc. [25:06] We support the right of Senator Pangilinan to ask questions, pero wala pa tayo dun eh. [25:12] So, again, may I raise the previous question, Madam Chair, the point of order, the parliamentary reason. [25:19] Madam President, kanina pa po ako nakatayo dito at nagtataas ng kamay. [25:24] I need to speak because I am the move-on. [25:26] Senator Redante Marcoleta. [25:27] Thank you, Madam President. [25:28] And then we hear Senator Risa Ontivero. [25:30] Thank you, Madam President. [25:31] Sa problema natin, Madam President, the Senate President invoked Section 136, Paragraph 2. [25:38] Kung babasahin po natin ito, Madam President, napakasimple lang. [25:42] Ito pong Section 136, Paragraph 2, is a special provision in precisely amending our rules. [25:51] In Section 24 po, this is a general rule. [25:54] Kung mapapansin po rin nyo, it presupposes that it will take up all the bills referred to that committee. [26:03] General po yung function niya. [26:06] 136, second paragraph, is a special provision. [26:10] Sa principle po ng batas, yun pong special provision. [26:17] Takes precedence over a general provision. [26:20] Yun lang po, basahin po rin nyo. [26:22] Hindi nga po, it will not even take one day because this is not a new motion. [26:27] Kung mapapansin nyo, nireiterate ko lang po ito eh. [26:30] It was already moved last May 11 pa po. [26:34] So that is even more than one day. [26:36] So who is talking about one day here? [26:39] Ang pinag-uusapan po natin, unless we respect Section 136, ang linaw-linaw po. [26:47] It talks about the rules may also be amended. [26:50] Diretso po ito eh. [26:51] So this takes precedence over Section 24. [26:55] Simpleng-simple lang po ito eh. [26:59] Madam President. [27:00] Thank you, Senator Marcoleta. [27:02] We recognize Senator Rizan Tiveros. [27:03] Salamat, Madam President. [27:05] Meron din po akong substantive na interpolation sa motion ngayong araw na nire-raise o itatalakayin ni Senator Marcoleta. [27:15] Yung text na pinamudmod ni Senate President sa atin ngayong hapon. [27:20] Pero una, gusto ko pong segundahan yung sinabi ni Senator Pangilinan. [27:27] Bagong motion ito, Madam President. [27:30] Bakit po? [27:31] Sa ilalim ng Section 24, nirefer yung unang motion binanggit ni Senator Marcoleta noon sa Committee on Rules. [27:40] Ngayon kung sasabihin na ibinalik yung mosyong iyon, yung unang motion ni Senator Marcoleta sa plenary, sino ang gumawa noon? [27:52] Dapat ang Committee on Rules. [27:55] Na-initiate na po ang prosesong iyon, alinsunod sa Section 24. [28:00] E hindi pa nga po nakoconstitute ang Committee on Rules. [28:04] Wala pa nga po minority contingent sa Committee on Rules. [28:08] So wala pang body na pwedeng ibalik yung unang motion ni Senator Marcoleta sa plenary. [28:15] Kaya ko sinusugundahan ang sinabi ni Senator Pangilinan. [28:18] Ito pong motion na gustong talakayin ni Senator Marcoleta at pinamudmod ni Senate President sa atin, bagong motion po siya. [28:27] Kung kaya't nag-a-apply po ang Rule Section 136 na kailangan bigyan ng isang araw pa pagkatapos ito i-move para talakayin. [28:39] And tama si Senator Pangilinan, sa lunes pa po yun, Madam President. [28:43] Salamat, Madam President. [28:45] Madam President, without giving meaning to anything, ito pong mahirap kasi kung wala po tayong legal background dito. [28:55] Kaya sinasabi ko na nga po, hindi po bagong motion ito eh. [28:59] Hindi siya bagong motion. [29:01] Kasasabi ko lang po, May 11, minub ko na po ito eh. [29:05] Sino po man sasabi na bagong motion? [29:10] Sinasabi ko lamang po, sinasabi ko lang, kanina ko po po sinasabi, [29:14] Section 136, ay walang kinalaman, walang alam sa batas. [29:20] ...whether we will take up the amendment or not. [31:58] And we have exhausted already all the arguments. [32:03] This is a simple motion. [32:04] So I move that we divide the house. [32:07] May irritate my motion. [32:08] Then we can go into the merits and [32:10] they can try to convince us whether or not we agree. [32:14] So the motion is to take up the amendment to our rules as proposed by Senator Marcoleta. [32:27] The objection is that it is not in order because we did not follow our own rules. [32:34] Madam Chair, Madam President. [32:37] Before that. [32:38] Madam President. [32:39] Yes, we recognize Senator Irwin Tulfo. [32:41] Madam President, my question is, why is the majority in such a hurry to tackle this motion? [32:52] This allowing a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference. [32:59] Whereas in Rule 14, Section 41, under B, it is convenient to hold a session through teleconference, [33:09] videoconference, or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate information and communications technology system [33:18] due to force majeure, Madam President, or the occurrence of a national emergency. [33:25] I guess, Madam President, this justifiable reason, what is that? [33:29] Does that fall under force majeure, or does it fall under national emergency, Madam President? [33:37] My question is, why are we in so hurry? [33:40] Why are they, the majority, in a hurry to tackle this motion and divide the House, Madam President? [33:49] I need, we need answers in the minority. [33:52] Madam Chair. [33:52] Or is it because, Madam Chair, they are in a hurry because of news reports [33:57] that probably two of our colleagues might land in jail this weekend? [34:02] Is that the reason why? [34:04] Is that the reason why they have to have this inserted, this Section 41C, [34:10] para makaboto po, kung sino man yung makukulong, [34:14] dahil sa announcement ng ombudsman na may, may lalabas na po ang warat [34:20] ng ilan sa mga kasama natin, Madam President. [34:23] That is my question, Madam President. [34:24] Madam Chair, the gentleman is out of order because his question, [34:30] sa nagmamadali, bakit, can be discussed in the actual motion, [34:38] can be discussed after the motion whether we should take it up. [34:42] We take offense that bibigyan niya ng ganyang kulay. [34:47] It's just like us saying, are you afraid if we have the hearing on the Blue Ribbon on flood control, [34:53] e mababanggit ka rin. [34:54] You do not make that kind of statements here in the Senate [34:57] because you assume good faith from everyone. [35:01] That rule hindi minadali. May 11 pahu yun. [35:05] So, Madam Chair, I move that we divide the House. [35:08] And the voting will be done via Viva Volche? [35:12] Madam President. [35:14] Minority Leader. [35:16] I move to adjourn or a quorum call. [35:27] Nati siya hire presidents, Madam President. [35:31] So, I only see the Minority Leader representing the minority the others had left? [35:39] Madam Chair. [35:41] We will not object, but for the record, [35:43] they scampered out and left the Minority Leader instead of discussing the rule. [35:50] We are not even discussing the rule yet. [35:55] And then, ganoon na yung allegation nila. [35:59] And no one from the minority stood up to say that out of order si Senator Irwin Tulfo. [36:08] So, we will not object, Madam Chair. [36:11] In fact, we move that we adjourn till 5 p.m. [36:14] Madam President, before that, Madam President, motion to adjourn is not debatable. [36:21] Akala ko ba, magaling cerebrals. [36:23] We're not debating. [36:24] We're not debating. [36:25] We're not debating. [36:26] We're not debating. [36:26] We're not debating, Madam President. [36:28] We're not debating. [36:28] And we will indeed adjourn. [36:31] Parliamentary inquiry. [36:32] Yes, Senator Mercurio. [36:33] Noong pong nagsimula tayo, Madam, meron po ba tayong quorum? [36:41] We had a quorum, yes. [36:43] Yes, Madam President. [36:45] Kapag ka po ba nag-walk out ang minority, nawawala po yung quorum? [36:49] Nagsimula po tayong may quorum. [36:50] It doesn't matter if they walk out. [36:52] Yes. [36:53] I think we still have the quorum. [36:55] Madam President, Madam President, once there is a quorum call, you have to call the roll. [37:03] Kahit nakapresent lahat o kulang kanina, there was a motion to dispense, whatever that is. [37:09] Not a funny situation, Madam President, when they readily and willingly walk out. [37:16] Hindi po yung cover ng rule natin, Madam President. [37:19] Kung saka-saka ay po. [37:20] As reiterated by the Senate President and as conveyed by the minority leader, former Senate President, [37:26] the rule states that the motion to adjourn takes precedence. [37:31] I'm not taking sides. [37:31] 5 p.m. Monday. [37:32] And we will adjourn session. [37:36] Until 5 p.m. [37:37] 5 p.m. on Monday, June 1st, 2026. [37:42] June 2nd? [37:43] June 1. [37:44] June 1 ba yun? [37:45] The birthday of Senator Laxon. [37:47] So we will have cooler heads. [37:48] Okay. [37:48] Thank you. [39:08] Good-bye. [39:19] Thank you. [39:21] Thank you. [39:27] Thank you. [39:31] Thank you. [40:05] Thank you. [40:40] Thank you. [41:25] Thank you. [42:02] Thank you. [42:51] Thank you. [43:22] Thank you. [44:00] Thank you. [44:30] Thank you. [45:07] Thank you. [45:48] Thank you. [46:23] Thank you, Mr. President. [46:25] Thank you, Mr. President. [46:56] Thank you, Mr. President. [46:58] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:00] Yes. [47:01] Yes. [47:02] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:04] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:06] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:08] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:10] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:12] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:14] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:17] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:19] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:21] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:23] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:26] Thank you, Mr. President, [47:27] and I, Mr. President. [47:28] Thank you, Mr. President. [47:29] The motion of Senator Villanueva was not for the Committee on Rules to report out what was [47:29] referred to them, but to return to the plenary, because if you look at Section 136 of our rules, [47:37] the rules may be amended by means of a motion, which should be presented at least one day before its consideration, and a vote of majority senators present shall be required for its approval. So you do not need the endorsement, nor the forwarding of the committee, [47:52] forwarding of the Committee of Rules for the amendments of the rules. [48:02] So the only requirement is that it is put on the floor at least one day before, or the [48:10] proposal is made, and that a majority of the senators present will vote for its approval. [48:17] So I just wanted to clarify that just so that we don't have any miscommunication that whether [48:24] or not the Rules Committee met, who are the members, et cetera, because right now that's [48:28] irrelevant because we have given back to the plenary the proposal. [48:33] Yeah. [48:34] Very clear. [48:35] Thank you, Senate President. [48:36] Madam President. [48:38] Senator Luxon's recommendation. [48:39] Does it mean that we are now disregarding the committees of the Senate? [48:43] So the committee chairman or the chairman of any committee, including the Rules Committee, [48:50] may just report out any motion or any resolution, refer to it in plenary, and then just, you know, [49:01] it is within his power to just report it out by himself without any deliberation in the committee, [49:08] without any committee report. [49:10] Is that the new rule now, Mr. President? [49:12] Madam President. [49:13] There's no new rule. [49:15] I read the rule. [49:16] Yes. [49:17] Senator Luxon is referring to resolutions or communications or anything referred to the [49:22] Committee on Rules. [49:25] We're talking about a motion to amend the rules. [49:30] We had the option of taking it up, but since everyone asked for one more day, it was given [49:36] to the Committee on Rules. [49:37] The Committee on Rules has an option to take it up. [49:40] But the acting majority leader or acting chairman of the committee gave it back to plenary, [49:48] and the plenary is more, how do I put it? [49:52] Supreme. [49:53] Supreme. [49:54] Thank you, Senator Luxon, over the committee. [49:57] So we didn't disregard the committee. [49:59] It is our choice from the start whether we want to give it to the committee or not. [50:03] So when we give it, so for example, I have a motion now to extend the session to June 12th [50:14] instead of June 5th. [50:16] That could be given to the Committee on Rules or upon coordination with the House. [50:23] The plenary can decide it directly, or we can give it to the Committee on Rules, and after [50:29] he talks to the House of Representatives, he can even report it out, or he can easily, [50:36] legally, morally, just say that I am tossing it back to the plenary, which is what's happening [50:42] today. [50:43] It's not a new rule. [50:44] But that is assuming that there was no referral. [50:47] But in this case, and I'd like to invite the attention of the body, to journal number [50:52] 62, dated May 11th, 2026. [50:57] And if I may read the particular portion of this journal, proposed at 6.25 PM, the session [51:08] was resumed, proposed amendment to the Rules of the Senate. [51:13] Senator Marcoleta proposed an amendment to Rule 14, Senate Sessions of the Rules, by inserting [51:20] a new paragraph C under Rule 41, which reads, A or C, allow a senator for justifiable reasons [51:28] to attend and participate in the session through teleconference, videoconference, or other reliable [51:35] forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate information and communications technology. [51:42] Now, here's the portion, Mr. President, or Madam President, while expressing no objection [51:49] to the proposal, Senate President Cayetano A suggested giving the Committee on Rules time [51:55] to discuss the matter. [51:56] Now, my question is, was there any discussion by the Committee on Rules? [52:00] Apparently, there was none. [52:02] Because it's now being reported out by the acting majority leader without consultation with [52:09] any of the members. [52:10] And by the way, Mr. Madam President, wala pang Committee on Rules, eh? [52:15] I believe that it was mentioned, and I will reiterate from my understanding that there was [52:21] no Committee on Rules meeting because that motion is reverted back to plenary. [52:27] Meaning, we are not ignoring the fact that, of course, committees must hold meetings. [52:36] But this particular motion is being referred back to plenary. [52:41] And may we just put on record, it says in Rule, or Section 136, the rules may also be amended [52:48] by means of a motion which should be presented at least one day, and we're complying with that [52:53] before its consideration. [52:55] And the vote of the majority of the senators present in this session shall be required for [53:00] its approval. [53:01] I believe that is what the Senate President had explained. [53:04] Evidently, Madam President, action was taken, and the action was to refer it to the Committee [53:09] on Rules since the position of Majority Floor Leader was vacated. [53:15] So how can the Committee properly function in the absence of a Committee, yeah, of the Committee [53:25] members? [53:26] As the Senate President had stated, there is a rule of a continuing operations of the Committee [53:33] while the new head has not been. [53:34] But they were vacated, Madam President. [53:35] Yes. [53:36] Walang members ang Committee on Rules. [53:39] So we cannot invoke continuity because we vacated all committees, all positions, including [53:45] the members. [53:46] And may I invite you to Section 24 of our Rules, Madam President. [53:50] The committees shall hold meetings to discuss, decide, and submit a report on all matters transmitted [53:58] to them. [53:58] This was transmitted to the Committee on Rules. [54:02] So the committees shall hold, including the Committee on Rules, shall hold meetings [54:06] to discuss, decide, and submit a report. [54:09] There is no report, Mr. President or Madam President. [54:12] Madam President. [54:13] So we are violating our own rules. [54:15] We recognize Senate President. [54:17] Mr. President, the Chair already made the ruling, and it's not appropriate to argue with [54:24] the Chair because, as explained to Senator Laxon, the Committee did not report it out. [54:30] He read the journal of May 11, but he did not read the motion of Senator Joel today. [54:38] His motion today was pursuant to Rule 136 of the Rules, a motion to amend the rules, meaning [54:44] if Joel was no longer the majority leader, if I was the majority leader now, or even an ordinary [54:50] member, that motion was carried, no one objected that we take it up, because, Madam Chair, we're [54:58] bringing it back to plenary. [55:00] So natural po, walang discussion sa Committee on Rules. [55:04] Kasi wala namang po sa rules natin na kailangan i-discuss sa Committee on Rules. [55:08] We did that on May 11 so that everyone will have an opportunity to study the rule. [55:14] It's a very simple amendment, so we should go to the discussion of the amendment. [55:19] if anyone is objecting to the amendment. [55:22] But definitely, the right to propose an amendment is a right guaranteed by our rules. [55:29] Senator Marcoleta has an amendment. [55:30] We should go to discussing the merits or demerits of having that rule. [55:37] You already ruled that it is proper for the plenary to take it up. [55:40] So may I request or move that we, if there are any objections, we discuss their objection. [55:46] I'm objecting, that's the effect of my manifestation, Madam President. [55:52] I'm objecting because I'm invoking Section 24 of our rules. [55:56] And as I read into the records, the journal of May 11, 2026, [56:02] na-refer po ito sa Committee on Rules. [56:04] And there was no discussion. [56:06] Action was taken, actually, by this body. [56:10] Then, Madam Chair, if there's an objection, may I move that we divide the house? [56:14] On that issue, not on the issue of whether or not the rule is good. [56:21] Your issue is whether or not it's proper to take it up on the floor. [56:28] The position of the majority is that there's no rule being violated. [56:34] So we will vote. [56:35] The presiding officer has already ruled, but the gentleman continues to object. [56:42] So we have to vote on it. [56:43] We're not voting on the amendment yet. [56:46] We're voting on whether the amendment is proper or not. [56:49] Yes, interjection, Madam President. [56:52] Yes, Minority Leader, Senator Soto. [56:54] We will have to support that resolution or thinking of Senator Laxon, [57:06] which is we did not constitute the Committee on Rules. [57:10] So what are we discussing right now? [57:12] I suggest that we constitute the Committee on Rules and discuss it there. [57:18] How do I know this? [57:19] Eh, ako, Minority Leader, eh. [57:21] Hindi ako member ng rules? [57:23] Ex-oficio, eh. [57:24] Tumawag ba? [57:25] Hindi. [57:26] Ano to? [57:27] Binabraso? [57:28] Point of order, Madam Chairman. [57:31] Where in the rules does it say that an amendment has to pass the Committee on Rules? [57:37] Section 24, Madam President. [57:39] Anong sabi po sa Section 24? [57:41] The Committee shall hold meetings to discuss, decide, and submit a report on all matters transmitted to them. [57:48] Madam Chairman, that's not the rule. [57:50] The rule is 136. [57:52] 136. [57:53] Can you please, for the third time, may we request the Senate President to read into the record the rule 136. [57:58] The rules may be amended by means of a motion which would be presented at least one day before its consideration, [58:05] and the vote of the majority of the senators present in the session hall shall be required for its approval. [58:10] So I respect their objection. [58:14] But how do we determine objections in this Senate? [58:18] We vote. [58:19] So if there is an objection, they have already explained their position, we have explained our position. [58:28] I move that we divide the House, Madam Chair. [58:30] May I, Mr. President? [58:33] We are several members of the minority here, and only Senator Laxon has spoken. [58:41] Why are we re-roading this process, Mr. President? [58:43] I have a number of issues that I'd like to raise regarding this motion, Mr. President. [58:48] They are citing Section 136, assuming, for the sake of argument, that their position is correct. [58:57] The second paragraph, Mr. President, says, the rules may also be amended by means of a motion, [59:02] which should be presented at least one day before its consideration. [59:06] We submit, Mr. President, that the earlier motion that was entered or was referred to the Committee on Rules. [59:18] This is a new motion, Mr. President. [59:20] And therefore, we have to take consideration of the one-day requirement before we can act on it, Mr. President. [59:26] And that should be, if not tomorrow, because we don't have any session tomorrow, [59:30] that should be on Monday, Mr. President. [59:32] Again, let me reiterate, the rules may also be amended by means of a motion, [59:41] which should be presented at least one day before its consideration. [59:44] We submit that the motion that was mentioned last May 11 was referred to the Committee on Rules. [59:55] This is a new motion, Mr. President, that is being presented on the floor, [59:58] which requires that it be presented one day before it is considered. [1:00:03] And therefore, we have to consider this motion on Monday, Mr. President. [1:00:07] As explained by the Acting Majority Leader, [1:00:12] the motion of Senator Marcoleta has been brought to the plenary, [1:00:20] and both the majority and the minority had mentioned Rule Section 136, [1:00:26] and it says that the vote of the majority of the senators present in session [1:00:30] shall be required for the approval. [1:00:32] Madam President. [1:00:32] I believe that this rule has been mentioned more than five times. [1:00:36] Madam President. [1:00:37] I believe also that the interpretation of the rule is different. [1:00:42] So I take note of the manifestation of Senator Panglinan. [1:00:46] Mr. President, if I may just continue, Mr. President. [1:00:51] All in previous... [1:00:53] Senator Laxon actually has the floor. [1:00:56] Yes, with the permission of Senator Laxon. [1:00:57] Yes, Senator Laxon has the floor. [1:00:59] May we continue with the manifestation of Senator Laxon, [1:01:03] and then after him, he will yield to Senator Panglinan. [1:01:09] Madam President, the invocation of the Senate President of Rule 136 [1:01:15] is premised on the assumption that there was no action taken. [1:01:20] But we took action. [1:01:21] We referred it to the Committee on Rules. [1:01:23] So Section 24 now applies, Madam President. [1:01:28] We're going to just ram down our throat something that the numbers can dictate, Mr. President. [1:01:35] Yes, Senate President. [1:01:36] Madam Chair, first of all, we're just repeating the arguments. [1:01:40] I respect his argument, but I disagree with it. [1:01:44] Secondly, they've used already three words. [1:01:47] He was insisting that nobody could be arrested inside the Senate. [1:07:29] He was requesting that he be brought out of the Senate first. [1:07:32] But this is beyond six years that we're talking about? [1:07:34] Exactly. [1:07:35] And I said, I'm sorry, sir. [1:07:38] There is no... [1:07:39] We do not... [1:07:40] You lost that privilege when Senator Bato escaped. [1:07:44] We will arrest him now on this one. [1:07:46] Was it only because of the escape of Bato or because there's also a six-year rule that it becomes six years? [1:07:53] Both. [1:07:53] Usually, there's a Senate and an executive respect for the leadership. [1:07:59] Usually, you'll arrest that. [1:08:01] But it's right, right? [1:08:02] It's right. [1:08:03] There's no more hiding behind the curtains of the Senate. [1:08:06] Sir, it's within his rights. [1:08:12] Yes, I warned him. [1:08:13] I did warn him. [1:08:13] I told him, whatever you say can be used against you. [1:08:16] And he said, he understands. [1:08:18] So now that you're saying that they lost that right after Senator Bato escaped, [1:08:24] you're saying that he has also had the escape of Senator Bato? [1:08:29] It's not a right. [1:08:29] It's a privilege. [1:08:31] Okay. [1:08:31] It's a privilege. [1:08:32] So whether it's a privilege or a privilege... [1:08:33] No, I am not implying anything other than Senator Bato escaped [1:08:39] and that we revoke that privilege of separation in terms of arrest, [1:08:43] that we can arrest anybody inside the Senate building if necessary. [1:08:46] Sir, would I be a president? [1:08:49] If it is necessary, we will always do what is necessary according to the bounds of law. [1:08:54] Remember, there is no such law as you cannot arrest anyone inside the Senate. [1:08:58] It's a privilege granted to the legislative. [1:09:08] So for the first time... [1:09:09] Because of courtesy? [1:09:10] Because of courtesy. [1:09:11] It is a courtesy. [1:09:12] But there is no such law which prevents us from arresting anyone in the Senate. [1:09:16] So even if it's not beyond six years... [1:09:18] I think what is... [1:09:19] Let me get it straight and you can research it for me. [1:09:22] But I think what is not allowed is if they are in session. [1:09:26] But after session... [1:09:27] Yes. [1:09:30] Yes. [1:09:30] All five are accounted for. [1:09:32] Sir, can you entertain last two questions from the media? [1:09:38] It's up to the Sandigan Bayan. [1:09:40] It's up to the Sandigan Bayan. [1:09:41] We have no... [1:09:43] So the Sandigan Bayan determines who where he'll be incarcerated. [1:09:46] But where is the custodial facility? [1:09:48] The custodial facility is barely livable. [1:09:54] But meaning, it's pure daga. [1:09:56] It's... [1:09:56] It is about to be demolished because for the build of a new facility. [1:10:03] So... [1:10:03] I'm not familiar... [1:10:06] There va? [1:10:06] There va? [1:10:07] There va ba? [1:10:08] There va. [1:10:08] Pero niya takot ni na lang. [1:10:10] Yung mga Chinese na nahuli namin dati sa kidnapping. [1:10:14] Baya, tama kayong mag youan yung jurisdiction? [1:10:15] And you give a last message. [1:10:16] Sabi niya, salamat pari. [1:10:19] Ayun lang. [1:10:19] And then, he... [1:10:21] There was a slight altercation between me and the daughter. [1:10:24] She... [1:10:25] She gave me the dirty finger and cursed at me. [1:10:28] I said, it's okay. [1:10:29] I understand your emotional. [1:10:30] Sino kong daughter? [1:10:31] I don't know which one. But I said, it was nothing personal. I gave motion that. [1:10:36] Okay, thank you very much. [1:10:38] Did you request for the long shots? [1:10:40] No, not yet. Not yet. We will release it on time. [1:10:43] The process, they took the pictures five minutes ago, so we can't believe that. [1:10:47] Thank you. Thank you very much. [1:10:49] That was Interior Secretary John Vic Remulia giving us a comprehensive update on the surrender of Senator Ginko Estrada [1:10:59] and the status of former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan. [1:11:04] There was also a significant exchange between Remulia and Senate President Cayetano that was asked by the media. [1:11:11] Now, Remulia confirmed that at 3.30 this afternoon, the arrest warrant was formally implemented inside the Senate itself, [1:11:17] and Secretary Remulia personally went to the Senate to oversee the process himself. [1:11:22] Now, before, or rather, the timeline was a bit muddy there. [1:11:26] Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano approached Remulia and asked that no senator be arrested inside the Senate premises. [1:11:33] Remulia's response was direct, and he told Senator Cayetano that senators lost that privilege the moment they lost Senator Ronald Bato de la Rosa. [1:11:43] Now, with the surrender of Senator Estrada, he cooperated fully. [1:11:48] He surrendered at 4.18 this afternoon, underwent the full standard booking procedure, and was found to be in good health. [1:11:53] Secretary Remulia also mentioned that out of the five accused covered by today's warrant, [1:11:58] four have been accounted for, two are currently at the Sandigan Bayan, two are on their way. [1:12:05] Now, former DPWH Secretary Manny Bonoan is a different story. [1:12:09] Remulia confirmed that Bonoan's blood pressure has spiked to 192, and the doctors have warned that a stroke is imminent. [1:12:16] He was rushed to the hospital, and authorities are currently waiting for his doctor's clearance before booking can proceed. [1:12:22] Let's go back to the Sandigan Bayan, where Senator Jingo Estrada has arrived. [1:12:33] Our correspondent, Michael Delizo, is there with us. [1:12:35] It's two in the afternoon, and it's raining heavily outside. [1:13:03] And, yeah, we are waiting for Estrada's presence here, and this is in compliance with the return of a warrant, [1:13:11] a procedural step intended to confirm that the warrant had been duly served and implemented. [1:13:16] Now, Estrada, again, is facing a non-available charge of plunder after he allegedly pocketed a huge kickback in a flood control project, [1:13:25] and he will be committed after this to the new Cason City Jail in Barangay Payatas, [1:13:30] where other ex-DPWH Department of Public Works and Highway officials and former Senator Ramon Bongrevilla Jr. [1:13:37] is currently detained in relation to the flood control scandal. [1:13:42] Among other correspondents of Estrada, in this 573 million non-billable plunder case, [1:13:52] are former DPWH officials, and we earlier spotted ex-DPWH NCR Assistant District Director, [1:14:09] Cortuna, inside this division court room. [1:14:13] Now, I think Estrada is within the vicinity of Sandecan Bayan, [1:14:18] and we are just waiting for him to go up here at the fourth floor of this building, [1:14:25] where the fourth division or the fifth division is located. [1:14:30] So, Estrada is heavily guarded by authorities, [1:14:34] and the media personnel are also here waiting for his presence. [1:14:39] Michael, can you walk us through the process that is expected once Estrada arrives at the Sandecan Bayan? [1:14:49] Well, Estrada will enter the court's room, [1:14:53] and he is heavily guarded by police, [1:14:57] and he will be brought to the New Cason City Jail. [1:15:03] After his presence here, he will be brought to the New Cason City Jail in Barangay Payatas. [1:15:07] So, I'm not fully aware of what will go inside, what will happen inside the court's room. [1:15:16] But, yeah. [1:15:19] Michael Delizo with that update. [1:15:22] We'll hear more from Michael later in our newscasts. [1:15:25] Again, we confirm that Senator Jingoy Estrada has officially surrendered. [1:15:31] At 14 this afternoon, the senator himself turned himself over to authorities at Camp Kram in Quezon City [1:15:39] following the non-available plunder arrest warrant issued by the Sandecan Bayan 5th Division earlier today. [1:15:46] Now, before surrendering, Estrada held a press conference at the Senate, [1:15:51] where he denied the allegations against him and said they were politically motivated. [1:15:55] In his own words, [1:15:57] I stand my ground because what is at stake here goes far beyond my personal circumstances. [1:16:03] What is at stake is the independence of the Senate itself. [1:16:06] This institution must never become vulnerable to external pressure. [1:16:09] It must remain free from political coercion, free from undue influence, [1:16:14] and free from any scheme designed to weaken its constitutional role as a co-equal and independent branch of government. [1:16:21] He was accompanied by several senators from the majority bloc, [1:16:24] including Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, as he addressed reporters. [1:16:28] Now, Estrada also waived Senate custody [1:16:30] and asked that the Senate Secretary to put his salary on hold while he faces the case. [1:16:37] He said, [1:16:38] Personal kong pa siya ito upang ipakita sa sambay ng Pilipino [1:16:41] na wala kong intensyong makinabang sa pondo ng bayan habang nililinis ko ang aking pangalan. [1:16:48] So, Estrada went through standard booking procedure at Camp Krami, [1:16:51] including mugshot taking and fingerprinting, [1:16:54] before being turned over to the Sandigan Bayan for the return of warrant. [1:16:58] Again, the Sandigan Bayan 5th Division has confirmed that Estrada will be detained [1:17:02] at the new Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City, [1:17:06] the same facility where former Senator Bong Revilla [1:17:09] is currently held in connection with flood control corruption charges. [1:17:16] Malacanang on Monday, [1:17:17] of Allied Senator Jingo Estrada's allegations that the graft and plunder charges filed against him [1:17:22] were politically motivated to force him to withdraw from the Senate majority bloc, [1:17:27] underscoring that the lawmaker's name has been imputed in a lot of projects [1:17:32] long before the Senate power struggle this year. [1:17:34] Shortly before surrendering to arresting officials, [1:17:38] Estrada held a press conference in the Senate, [1:17:40] emphasizing that he would not succumb to political pressure [1:17:43] to shift alliances in the Senate [1:17:44] in exchange for his liberty in the non-bailable charge of plunder. [1:17:48] Wala pa pong binubuo na majority sa pamumuno ni Senator Alan Peter Cayetano [1:17:55] ay mayroon na silang issues na hinaharap. [1:17:58] Baka silang namumulitika ang hindi ang ejecutivo. [1:18:02] And that was Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro [1:18:05] telling palace reporters in a chance interview. [1:18:09] Paano magkakaraon ng pamumulitika ang ejecutivo [1:18:12] kung ito ay dumadaan sa tamang proseso at tamang pag-iimbestiga? [1:18:17] Ang office of the ombudsman ay hindi hawak ng Pangulo. [1:18:19] Independent constitutional body ito. [1:18:23] Ang judiciary din naman po ay hindi pinangungunahan [1:18:25] at hindi pinangungunahan ng executive. [1:18:29] So Estrada was also among the lawmakers [1:18:31] who allegedly profited from anomalous flood control projects [1:18:35] according to an earlier report from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee [1:18:38] and other legislative panels. [1:18:42] Ang pangalan din ni Senator Jingoy ay nabanggit [1:18:44] sa partial report ni Senator Lakson [1:18:46] kaya hindi po nasasabi na ito ay may patungkol [1:18:49] sa pag-form ng majority na binubuo ng 13. [1:18:53] Again, those words from Secretary Claire Castro. [1:18:56] She said those referring to the report created long before [1:19:00] Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Estrada's ally, [1:19:04] replaced Senator Vicente Soto III as Senate President. [1:19:08] She continues, [1:19:09] It would be unfair to all Filipino people [1:19:11] kung ganoon ang magiging dahilan [1:19:13] para hindi i-pursue yung kaso na siya umano [1:19:15] ay involved sa flood control mess. [1:19:19] Meantime, Castro praised Estrada [1:19:22] for his voluntary surrender to arresting officials. [1:19:27] Hindi niya pinahirapan ng law enforcers, [1:19:29] hindi tulad ng nangyayari ngayon kay Senator Bato. [1:19:32] The undersecretary said, [1:19:34] referring to Senator Ronald Bato de la Rosa, [1:19:37] who has been evading an arrest warrant [1:19:39] from the International Criminal Court. [1:19:42] Yan po ang dapat na ginagawa ng isang tao [1:19:45] na may valid na arrest warrant. [1:19:48] This is Estrada's third time [1:19:51] to be charged with plunder. [1:19:54] In 2001, he was linked to the wedding scandal [1:19:56] that eventually led to the overthrow of his father, [1:20:00] former President Joseph Estrada. [1:20:02] In 2014, he was also accused [1:20:04] of having a hand in the so-called pork barrel scams [1:20:07] where several lawmakers allegedly pocketed [1:20:10] millions' worth of taxpayers' money [1:20:13] through bogus non-government organizations. [1:20:15] And if you're just joining us now, [1:20:21] embattled Senator Jingoy Estrada [1:20:23] surrenders to Philippine police [1:20:25] after the top anti-graft court [1:20:28] issued another arrest warrant against him, [1:20:30] this time for a non-bailable plunder case. [1:20:34] The warrant was issued by the Sandigan Bayan [1:20:36] 5th Division Monday, [1:20:38] only a few days after he posted bail for his graft case. [1:20:42] The cases stem from alleged budget insertions [1:20:45] and kickback schemes involving anomalous flood control projects. [1:20:49] Interior Secretary John Vicremulia [1:20:51] and members of the Philippine National Police [1:20:54] were spotted at the Senate [1:20:56] shortly after the warrant was released. [1:20:59] Again, this is the third time [1:21:00] that Estrada has faced plunder raps. [1:21:04] He, however, maintains the allegations against him [1:21:07] are baseless and false. [1:21:09] I am a ready receipt of the warrant of arrest [1:21:15] issued against me [1:21:17] by the 5th Division of the Sandigan Bayan. [1:21:21] Nais ko lang pong bigyan diin [1:21:22] ang mga bagay na ito. [1:21:24] Hindi ako matitinag, [1:21:25] sa anumang pangigipit, [1:21:27] pananakot, [1:21:29] political maneuvering [1:21:30] para talikuran ang aking paninindigan. [1:21:33] I will not yield to threats. [1:21:37] I will not be intimidated. [1:21:40] I will not be pressured [1:21:42] into surrendering my independence. [1:21:46] I will not seek Senate custody. [1:21:49] Hindi ko gagamitin ang Senado [1:21:51] bilang panangga [1:21:52] laban sa mga aligasyon sa akin. [1:21:56] Nakahanda akong ipagtanggol [1:21:58] ang aking sarili sa hukuman [1:22:00] at hindi ako magtatago [1:22:01] sa likod ng institusyon ito [1:22:04] upang umiwas sa proseso. [1:22:07] Kalokohan ang lahat na ito. [1:22:11] Aside from Estrada, [1:22:12] former Public Works Chief [1:22:13] Manuel Bonoan [1:22:14] and other officials [1:22:15] from the DPWH [1:22:16] are also facing arrest [1:22:18] over their alleged involvement [1:22:19] in the flood control scandal. [1:22:23] What is at stake here [1:22:25] is the independence of the Senate. [1:22:29] This institution [1:22:30] must never become vulnerable [1:22:32] to external pressure. [1:22:34] It must remain free [1:22:35] from political coercion, [1:22:38] free from undue influence, [1:22:41] and free from any scheme [1:22:43] designed to weaken [1:22:45] its constitutional role [1:22:46] as a co-equal [1:22:48] and independent branch [1:22:50] of government. [1:22:52] If this is the price [1:22:53] I must pay for the decisions [1:22:55] I have made [1:22:56] and the principles [1:22:57] I have chosen to uphold, [1:22:59] then I am prepared [1:23:01] to face the consequences. [1:23:03] I will be proceeding now [1:23:06] to the CIDG [1:23:08] to voluntarily surrender myself. [1:23:11] Marami salamat mo. [1:23:15] Interior Secretary John Vic Ramulia [1:23:17] had a press conference [1:23:19] a while ago [1:23:20] giving us a comprehensive update [1:23:21] on the surrender [1:23:22] of Senator Gingoy Estrada [1:23:25] and the status [1:23:26] of former DPWH Secretary [1:23:28] Manuel Bonoan. [1:23:30] Secretary Ramulia confirmed [1:23:31] that at 3.30 this afternoon [1:23:33] the arrest warrant [1:23:34] was formally implemented [1:23:36] inside the Senate itself [1:23:38] by himself. [1:23:40] Before the warrant was served, [1:23:42] Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano [1:23:45] approached Ramulia [1:23:46] and asked that no senator [1:23:47] be arrested [1:23:48] inside the Senate premises. [1:23:51] Ramulia's response [1:23:53] was direct [1:23:54] as he told Cayetano [1:23:55] that senators lost [1:23:57] that privilege [1:23:57] the moment they lost [1:23:58] Senator Ronald Bató Dalarosa. [1:23:59] It is a pointed remark [1:24:02] after Dalarosa [1:24:03] slipped out of the Senate's [1:24:04] so-called protective custody [1:24:06] on May 14 [1:24:07] and remains at large [1:24:09] to this day [1:24:10] evading an ICC arrest warrant. [1:24:14] Now, Senator Gingoy Estrada [1:24:15] cooperated fully. [1:24:17] He surrendered at 4.18 [1:24:18] this afternoon [1:24:18] and underwent [1:24:19] the full standard [1:24:20] booking procedure, [1:24:21] fingerprinting, [1:24:22] mugshot, [1:24:23] and medical examination [1:24:23] and was found to be [1:24:25] in good health. [1:24:27] Out of the five accused [1:24:28] covered by today's warrant, [1:24:29] four have been accounted for. [1:24:30] Two are currently [1:24:32] at the Sandigan Bayan. [1:24:33] Two are on their way [1:24:34] and Estrada's transferred [1:24:36] to his detention facility. [1:24:38] The new Quezon City Jail [1:24:39] in Payatas [1:24:40] is expected to follow [1:24:41] once his commitment order [1:24:43] from the Sandigan Bayan [1:24:44] is secured. [1:24:46] Former DBWH Secretary [1:24:48] Manuel Manny Bonoan [1:24:49] is a different story. [1:24:51] Ramulia confirmed [1:24:51] that Bonoan's blood pressure [1:24:53] has spiked to 192. [1:24:56] Doctors have warned [1:24:57] that a stroke is imminent. [1:24:59] Bonoan has been rushed [1:25:00] to the hospital [1:25:00] and authorities [1:25:01] are currently waiting [1:25:02] for his doctor's clearance [1:25:03] before booking can proceed. [1:25:07] He has been deemed [1:25:07] not fit at this time [1:25:08] and is still awaiting indictment. [1:25:11] Bonoan is the fifth accused [1:25:13] under today's warrant [1:25:14] and the only one [1:25:15] whose processing remains on hold. [1:25:18] And now it's been confirmed [1:25:30] that Senator Jinggoy Estrada [1:25:32] has arrived in the Sandigan Bayan. [1:25:36] We'll be awaiting him [1:25:39] holding a press conference [1:25:41] or updates from our correspondents [1:25:44] currently there. [1:25:47] What you're seeing [1:25:47] is a live feed [1:25:48] from the Sandigan Bayan [1:25:50] on the surrender [1:25:52] of Senator Jinggoy Estrada [1:25:54] confirming he has arrived [1:25:56] in the Sandigan Bayan. [1:25:57] You're now seeing live shots [1:26:43] from inside the anti-graft court [1:26:44] as Senator Jinggoy Estrada [1:26:47] is accompanied by CIDG agents there. [1:26:51] Again, Senator Jinggoy Estrada [1:26:52] has surrendered to authorities [1:26:54] this time not for a bailable [1:26:58] graft charge [1:26:59] but for a non-bailable [1:27:01] plunder case [1:27:02] carrying a penalty [1:27:03] of life imprisonment. [1:27:06] The Sandigan Bayan 5th Division [1:27:07] issued the second arrest warrant [1:27:09] against Senator Jinggoy Estrada [1:27:10] today, June 1, 2026, [1:27:13] this time for the non-bailable [1:27:14] plunder case. [1:27:15] The same order also mandated [1:27:17] the arrest [1:27:18] of former DPWH Secretary [1:27:20] Manuel Bonoan, [1:27:21] Assistant District Engineer [1:27:22] Denril Cesar Cortuna, [1:27:25] and District Engineers [1:27:26] Manny Bolusan [1:27:27] and Arturo Gonzalez Jr. [1:27:30] Following the issuance [1:27:31] of the warrant, [1:27:32] Senator Estrada [1:27:33] held a press briefing [1:27:34] at the Senate building [1:27:35] and announced [1:27:36] that he would voluntarily [1:27:37] surrender to the police. [1:27:38] He said [1:27:39] he will not seek [1:27:41] Senate custody. [1:27:43] In his own words, [1:27:44] I will be proceeding now [1:27:45] to the CIDG [1:27:46] to voluntarily surrender myself. [1:27:51] Estrada also said [1:27:52] at the briefing, [1:27:53] I stand my ground [1:27:54] because what is at stake here [1:27:56] is the independence [1:27:57] of the Senate. [1:27:58] It must remain free [1:27:59] from political coercion. [1:28:03] Senator Estrada [1:28:03] was resolute [1:28:05] as he spoke before. [1:28:06] Heading to Camp Kramen, [1:28:07] he made three [1:28:08] significant statements. [1:28:10] First, [1:28:10] on his decision [1:28:11] to waive Senate custody [1:28:12] and put his salary on hold, [1:28:14] Estrada said, [1:28:15] personal kong pa siya ito [1:28:16] upang ipakita [1:28:17] sa Sambayanang Pilipino [1:28:18] na wala akong intensyong [1:28:19] makinabang [1:28:20] sa pondo ng bayan [1:28:21] habang nililinis ko [1:28:23] ang aking pangalan. [1:28:26] Second, [1:28:27] on facing the process [1:28:28] rather than evading it. [1:28:30] Nakahanda akong ipagtanggol [1:28:31] ang aking sarili [1:28:32] sa ukuman [1:28:32] at hindi ako magtatago [1:28:34] sa likod ng institusyon ito [1:28:35] upang umiwa sa proseso. [1:28:37] Ipagtatanggol ko [1:28:38] hanggang sa huli [1:28:39] ang aking sarili [1:28:40] para patunay [1:28:41] na walang batayan [1:28:42] ang mga paratang sakin. [1:28:44] And third, [1:28:45] on the Senate itself, [1:28:46] I stand my ground [1:28:47] because what is at stake here [1:28:49] is the independence [1:28:50] of the Senate. [1:28:51] It must remain free [1:28:52] from political coercion. [1:28:56] Again, [1:28:57] after processing [1:28:58] at Camp Grame, [1:28:59] Estrada is now [1:29:01] at Sandigan Bayan [1:29:03] for his commitment order. [1:29:04] He may end up [1:29:05] at the new [1:29:06] Quezon City Jail [1:29:07] Mail Dormitory [1:29:08] in Barangay Payatas. [1:29:10] Now, [1:29:10] there's one important [1:29:11] legal note here. [1:29:12] Even if Estrada [1:29:13] surrenders voluntarily, [1:29:14] this is still legally [1:29:15] considered an arrest [1:29:16] because the warrant [1:29:17] will be executed [1:29:18] to temporarily deprive [1:29:20] him of his liberty. [1:29:37] Again, [1:29:37] Estrada is [1:29:38] the highest-ranking [1:29:39] incumbent government [1:29:40] official [1:29:41] to face criminal charges [1:29:42] over the flood control [1:29:43] mess so far. [1:29:45] Let's go back [1:29:45] to the Sandigan Bayan [1:29:46] and our correspondent [1:29:47] Michael Delizos there [1:29:48] live. [1:29:49] Michael? [1:29:51] Hi, Denise. [1:29:51] At about 5.15 in the afternoon, [1:29:53] Senator Jim Doy Estrada [1:29:55] has arrived here [1:29:56] at the Sulpin Antigraf [1:29:57] Court, [1:29:58] Sandigan Bayan [1:29:59] 5th Division. [1:30:00] And yeah, [1:30:01] after he surrendered [1:30:01] to authorities [1:30:02] following the humans [1:30:03] of an arrest warrant [1:30:04] by this court [1:30:05] in connection [1:30:06] with the plunder case [1:30:07] filed against him. [1:30:09] We saw earlier, [1:30:10] Estrada, [1:30:10] he was heavily [1:30:11] is escorted [1:30:12] by the criminal investigation [1:30:13] and detection group [1:30:15] and he just entered [1:30:16] the courtroom, [1:30:18] the 5th Division courtroom [1:30:19] and it will, [1:30:20] you know, [1:30:20] take a few minutes [1:30:22] for this procedure. [1:30:24] He will just sign a document [1:30:25] and then after that [1:30:26] he will be committed, [1:30:28] he will be brought [1:30:29] to the Quezon City Jail [1:30:32] male dormitory [1:30:33] that's in Barangay Payatas [1:30:34] where Senator Bong [1:30:37] and other DPWH [1:30:39] former DPWH officials [1:30:41] are also detained [1:30:42] in connection [1:30:43] with the flood control scandal. [1:30:45] Now, we are just waiting [1:30:47] for this procedure [1:30:49] to be finished. [1:30:51] Well, [1:30:53] his here is in plot [1:30:57] the return of the warrant [1:30:58] and this is a procedure [1:31:00] to confirm [1:31:01] that the warrant [1:31:02] has been duly served [1:31:04] and implemented. [1:31:06] Estrada is facing [1:31:07] a non-bailable charge [1:31:08] of a plunder [1:31:09] after he allegedly [1:31:11] pocketed a huge kickback [1:31:13] in a flood control project [1:31:15] and among other [1:31:17] correspondents of Estrada [1:31:18] in this 573 million [1:31:20] test on non-bailable [1:31:21] plunder case [1:31:21] are four [1:31:22] former DPWH officials [1:31:24] Manuel Bonoan, [1:31:25] Denriel Cortuna, [1:31:27] Manny Bulusan [1:31:27] and Arturo Gonzales Jr. [1:31:30] We already earlier [1:31:31] spotted ex-DPWH [1:31:33] NCR Assistant District [1:31:34] Director Cortuna [1:31:35] inside the 5th Division [1:31:36] Courtroom. [1:31:37] Now, we're just [1:31:38] we're seeing the media [1:31:39] here outside [1:31:40] the courtroom. [1:31:42] They are [1:31:42] let's try to get a look [1:31:45] of what's happening [1:31:47] inside. [1:31:48] Yeah, [1:31:50] so that's a glimpse [1:31:59] of what's inside [1:32:00] of what's inside [1:32:00] the 5th Division [1:32:01] Courtroom. [1:32:03] Let me just [1:32:04] assume in my camera, [1:32:05] Denise. [1:32:06] A commitment [1:32:06] order [1:32:07] in this [1:32:08] in this [1:32:09] in this [1:32:09] in this [1:32:09] in this [1:32:10] in this [1:32:10] in this [1:32:10] in this [1:32:10] in this [1:32:11] in this [1:32:12] in this [1:32:12] in this [1:32:13] in this [1:32:14] in this [1:32:14] in this [1:32:15] So this [1:32:16] procedure [1:32:16] will [1:32:17] is expected [1:32:17] to take [1:32:18] a few minutes [1:32:19] and then [1:32:20] after that [1:32:21] he will be [1:32:21] brought to the [1:32:23] Quezon City Jail. [1:32:24] You know, [1:32:24] it's heavily raining [1:32:26] outside here [1:32:27] at the [1:32:28] anti- [1:32:29] anti-graft [1:32:30] court [1:32:31] and [1:32:31] it's [1:32:32] in Quezon City. [1:32:34] So [1:32:34] this [1:32:35] again [1:32:36] this [1:32:37] Estrada's [1:32:38] presence [1:32:39] here [1:32:39] is [1:32:40] for the [1:32:41] return of [1:32:41] warrant [1:32:42] a procedural [1:32:42] step [1:32:43] intended [1:32:44] to confirm [1:32:44] that the [1:32:45] warrant [1:32:45] had been [1:32:46] truly served [1:32:47] and [1:32:47] impeded [1:32:48] at Estrada [1:32:49] this afternoon [1:32:52] surrendered [1:32:53] for authorities [1:32:54] to face [1:32:54] the [1:32:55] Flander case [1:32:56] filed against [1:32:57] him. [1:32:57] Denise. [1:32:59] Michael Delizo, [1:33:01] but before that [1:33:02] we heard [1:33:02] Secretary Ramoyas [1:33:03] press briefing [1:33:04] before that [1:33:04] he said [1:33:05] that former [1:33:05] DPWH [1:33:06] Mani Bonoan [1:33:07] is in hospital [1:33:08] arrest. [1:33:09] Do we know [1:33:10] when he will [1:33:10] be indicted? [1:33:16] Michael? [1:33:20] Hi Denise, [1:33:21] Denise. [1:33:22] Sorry, [1:33:22] Denise, [1:33:23] could you repeat [1:33:23] that? [1:33:24] We heard [1:33:24] Secretary Ramoyas [1:33:25] press briefing [1:33:26] earlier and [1:33:27] he said [1:33:27] that former [1:33:28] DPWH [1:33:28] Mani Bonoan [1:33:29] is in hospital [1:33:31] arrest. [1:33:31] Do we know [1:33:32] when he will [1:33:32] be indicted? [1:33:35] Actually, [1:33:36] information here [1:33:36] at the [1:33:37] Syndicate [1:33:37] Bion is [1:33:37] limited. [1:33:38] Yeah, [1:33:38] that's right. [1:33:39] We haven't [1:33:39] seen [1:33:39] former [1:33:41] Secretary Bonoan [1:33:42] today but [1:33:42] other DPWH [1:33:43] officials were [1:33:44] present amid [1:33:45] the survey [1:33:48] of this [1:33:49] plunder case [1:33:51] arrest warrant. [1:33:52] I'm sorry, [1:33:53] Denise, [1:33:53] but information [1:33:54] here at the [1:33:54] Syndicate [1:33:55] Bayan is [1:33:55] limited and [1:33:56] we have yet to [1:33:56] speak to anyone [1:33:57] official here. [1:33:58] Michael DeLizzo [1:34:04] with that [1:34:05] report. [1:34:05] Thanks, [1:34:06] Michael. [1:34:18] Again, [1:34:18] that was [1:34:18] Michael DeLizzo [1:34:19] live from [1:34:21] the Syndicate [1:34:22] Bayan confirming [1:34:23] that Senator [1:34:24] Jingoy Estrada [1:34:24] after surrendering [1:34:26] has finally [1:34:27] arrived in the [1:34:29] Syndicate Bayan. [1:34:30] Estrada is the [1:34:30] highest-ranking [1:34:31] government official [1:34:32] to face criminal [1:34:33] charges over the [1:34:35] flood control [1:34:36] mess so far. [1:34:39] Again, [1:34:40] he is a seasoned [1:34:40] senator facing his [1:34:41] third plunder case [1:34:43] in 25 years. [1:34:49] We'll be giving you [1:34:50] more updates [1:34:51] in our later [1:34:52] newscasts. [1:34:54] I'm Denise [1:34:55] Insai. [1:34:55] Thank you for [1:34:56] watching.