Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno on Wednesday slammed Senator Rodante Marcoleta over his remarks questioning the legal background of Senator Risa Hontiveros, as tensions flared in the Senate during discussions on proposed rule changes allowing remote participation in plenary sessions.

In a social media post, Diokno said that having an impressive legal background loses its value if it is used to belittle others, emphasizing that the greater concern lies in the misuse or distortion of legal principles.

“Hindi impressive ang legal background kung ginagamit lang sa pangmamaliit,” Diokno said.

“Mas nakakabahala ang may alam sa batas pero pinipiling baluktutin ito,” Diokno said.

He made the statement in response to Marcoleta’s earlier remarks during the Senate plenary session, where the senator questioned Hontiveros’ legal understanding while defending the proposed rule changes.

“Ito po ang mahirap dito kung wala tayong legal background. Hindi po bagong motion ito,” Marcoleta said during Tuesday’s session, as lawmakers debated procedural rules governing plenary participation and voting mechanisms.

The comment drew a swift response from Senator Erwin Tulfo, who described Marcoleta’s remark as “ad hominem,” arguing that it strayed from the substantive issue being discussed.

The exchange unfolded during heated deliberations on a majority-backed proposal to amend Senate rules that would permit senators to vote even when not physically present in the session hall.

The measure sparked a procedural dispute and ultimately led to a minority walkout during plenary proceedings earlier this week.

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