SENATOR Joel Villanueva expressed serious concerns regarding a bomb threat targeting the Senate office in Pasay City on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The senator revealed that he, along with other senators, including the Minority Leader, only learned about the threat through media reports on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, after the event.
Villanueva stated, “I think it’s a big concern for all of us when it comes to security. And, unfortunately, I was just informed about it in this plenary. Some of us… found out about this information in the media. It’s very important information that we should all be aware of.”
He emphasized that the information should have been communicated directly to the senators, highlighting the presence of security experts within the Senate, such as former Philippine National Police chief, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who could have assisted in managing the situation. The lack of timely notification raised questions about the Senate’s internal communication protocols and security procedures.
Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino subsequently informed his colleagues that the Senate Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) had conducted an internal inquiry and a discreet sweeping operation. These investigations concluded that the bomb threat was a hoax. While the threat proved false, Villanueva’s concerns remain valid, prompting a call for improved communication and security measures within the Senate to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of senators and staff.
