Former Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon expressed “sadness, shock and disappointment” over recent turmoil in the Philippine Senate, saying the chamber has been marked by repeated internal conflicts and a lack of unity under its current leadership.

In an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Gordon said he was dismayed by what he described as escalating disorder in the upper chamber, which he said has distracted from legislative work.

“Nakikita ko hindi marunong mag-unite yung Senate President.”

Gordon, a two-term senator, said that once elected Senate President, the leader’s responsibility is to bring members together rather than deepen divisions.

“Araw-araw magmula na dumating itong bagong Senate President, may bagong gulo, may nagbabarilan, may natatakbuhan, may mga nangyayari na nakakabigla,” he said.

He added that the ongoing tensions were affecting the institution’s credibility and its ability to function effectively.

“Nalulungkot ako because it really deprives the country ng trabaho ng Senado. Ang nangyayari tuloy, kinamumuhian na yung ilang mga Senador niya ng mga tao.”

Gordon also reacted to reports that the Senate had experienced disruptions, including a session break and what some lawmakers have described as a boycott by the majority bloc.

“Pagka nagagalit ka sa ginawa doon sa Senador dahil hinuli, pupunta ka doon sa Senado at mag-privilege speech ka.”

He criticized what he described as emotional or impulsive responses within the chamber, saying they do not reflect proper legislative conduct.

“Parang batang munti na nagmamaktol, sinisigaw mo yung Secretary of Local Government at nakakahiya eh.”

He also questioned recent developments involving court orders and detentions, suggesting that legal processes should be respected and not turned into political confrontations.

“Para bang sinusunog ng Senate President yung buong Senado para lang makatakas yung ilang mga nasa loob ng Senado.”

Adding to the political friction, some members of the Philippine Senate, particularly from the minority bloc, have called for Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano to resign, citing what they described as inconsistency in leadership and ongoing dysfunction within the chamber.

Cayetano has previously rejected calls for him to step down, saying criticisms against him have gone beyond policy disagreements and have become personal in tone.