Tensions briefly flared in the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, June 17, as Senator Pia Cayetano questioned the handling of amendments in a health-related measure, prompting a pointed exchange with Senator Risa Hontiveros during deliberations.

The minority bloc, led by Cayetano, returned to the plenary hours after Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate President in a morning session that the group did not attend. The leadership change replaced Cayetano’s brother, former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, following a vote earlier in the day.

The exchange centered on Senate Bill 1905, or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, which had already been approved on second reading. Cayetano sought to introduce amendments, arguing that her name had been listed among senators scheduled to propose changes.

Cayetano questioned why the period for amendments had been closed earlier in the day.

“Her Honor put on record that no amendments were submitted. None may have been submitted, but our name is on the list to propound amendments,” Cayetano said, adding that she appreciated the Majority Leader for allowing the reopening of the period for amendments.

Hontiveros, the bill’s sponsor, clarified that she had earlier moved to close the period after noting that no committee or individual amendments had been formally submitted but said she was open to reconsideration upon request from the floor.

“I made a record earlier that there were no more committee amendments and no other colleagues had submitted proposed individual amendments,” Hontiveros said. “If the body allows, I would move respectfully to close the period of amendments.”

She added that she agreed to reopen the period after Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri raised Cayetano’s request.

“When the majority leader asked me on behalf of the gentle lady… I readily agreed. My interest, like any other member of the Chamber, is to move our bills forward,” Hontiveros said.

Cayetano, however, stressed the importance of proper coordination in legislative practice, noting that senators on the reservation list are typically informed in advance.

“The practice is usually staff to staff to coordinate if there’s a name on the list… sometimes they would waive their right or submit amendments or request a later time,” she said.

Despite the exchange, Cayetano said she was ready to proceed with the deliberations following the clarification, as the Senate continued work on pending measures amid the leadership transition.