SENATOR Panfilo Lacson strongly rebuked Senator Rodante Marcoleta amid a heated exchange in the Senate, triggered by Marcoleta’s remarks directed at Senator Risa Hontiveros during debates on proposed amendments to the chamber’s session rules.
The debate centered on a push by the majority bloc to allow senators who are physically absent to join plenary proceedings and vote via teleconference — a proposal that has deeply divided lawmakers over concerns about legislative integrity and procedural fairness.
Lacson’s sharp retort, “It’s the rules, stupid!”, underscored his frustration over what he sees as attempts to disregard established procedures to suit political convenience.
Tensions rose sharply when Marcoleta made comments seemingly challenging Hontiveros’ stance and questioning the basis of the minority’s opposition to the rule changes.
Lacson immediately stepped in to defend both his colleague and the Senate’s existing protocols, emphasizing that the issue at hand is not about personalities or political alliances but about respecting the rules that govern the institution. He argued that the requirement for physical presence during sessions is rooted in long-standing practices meant to ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation in deliberations, and that altering it without thorough study and consensus sets a dangerous precedent.
The clash highlights the growing rift between the majority and minority blocs over the direction of Senate operations. While proponents insist that allowing teleconference participation modernizes the process and accommodates unavoidable absences, critics like Lacson and Hontiveros warn that it opens the door to abuse, weakens checks and balances, and undermines the principle that lawmakers must be present and accountable to their constituents.
Lacson’s blunt reminder — that rules exist to protect the institution, not to be discarded when inconvenient—captured the core of the dispute, signaling that the minority will continue to strongly resist any changes they believe compromise the Senate’s mandate and integrity.
