Senator Risa Hontiveros called for the restoration of dignity, order, and public trust in the Senate following recent controversies involving internal tensions, security incidents, and heightened political friction within the chamber.
Hontiveros said the Senate has been “nakakalungkot at nakakahiya” in the eyes of the public, citing reports of chaotic scenes inside the institution, including confrontations between security personnel and law enforcement and incidents that left a Senate employee injured.
“Habulan at taguan sa hagdan. Girian sa pagitan ng mga security at law enforcement personnel. May empleyado ng Senado na nasaktan. The Senate is going viral for the wrong reasons,” she said, warning that the situation undermines the credibility of the institution.
She stressed that the developments affect not only senators but also staff and the broader legislative work meant to serve the Filipino people, adding that public trust is weakened when procedures are seen as being used to avoid accountability.
Hontiveros also appealed to the new Senate leadership to uphold institutional integrity and ensure that proper processes are followed. She emphasized that while disagreement is part of democracy, the Senate must not be reduced to a “mockery” of its constitutional role.
Her statement comes amid ongoing leadership changes in the upper chamber, increased police visibility outside the Senate grounds, and growing public attention on developments linked to Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who has been under protective custody inside the institution amid legal and security concerns.
Authorities have also maintained a heavy police presence outside the Senate due to possible protest actions from supporters.
Despite the tensions, she reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing accountability and transparency in governance. “Tuloy tayo sa pagsasabi ng totoo… Tuloy ang pagpapanagot sa mga umaabuso sa kapangyarihan,” she said, urging the chamber to refocus on issues that benefit the public.
“We owe the Filipino people much, much better than this,” she added.
