Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) President Atty. Allan Panolong on Friday expressed alarm over the recent tension inside the Senate building, warning that delays in the impeachment process could eventually lead to a constitutional crisis.
The statement comes amid heightened security concerns and reports of chaos inside the Senate premises, where tension escalated to the point that alleged gunfire reports surfaced during the incident, prompting fear and confusion among people inside the building and reinforcing concerns over safety and order within a key democratic institution.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH’s “Damdaming Bayan,” Panolong stressed that the Senate should remain a symbol of democracy and public accountability, not conflict and disorder.
“Ang Senado po ay kasama po yan sa ating demokrasya,” Panolong said. “Kinokondena namin kung sino man yung may kagagawa noon dahil nailalagay sa alanganin ang ating demokrasya at ating institusyon.”
The IBP chief also raised concern for the safety of media workers, Senate employees, and lawmakers who were reportedly caught amid the commotion inside the Senate premises.
Panolong said the impeachment proceedings are not merely political exercises but are also matters of public accountability that directly concern ordinary Filipinos.
“So hinahamon namin sila at china-challenge natin sila na gampanan nila yung kanilang mandato naaayon sa ating Saligang Batas,” he said.
According to Panolong, a constitutional crisis may arise if the Senate fails to act on the Articles of Impeachment already transmitted by the House of Representatives.
“Kapag hindi sila nagpatuloy sa pag-conduct ng impeachment proceeding, ultimately it will rise to a constitutional crisis,” he explained.
He added that while the Senate has discretion on when to proceed with impeachment proceedings, such authority should not be abused in a way that would “frustrate the ends of justice.”
Panolong also called for an impartial investigation into the May 13 Senate incident, saying accountability must be enforced but should be left to proper investigative bodies and law enforcement agencies.
“Hindi pwedeng walang managot dahil halatang may nangyaring hindi maganda,” he said.
Authorities are expected to further investigate the reported disturbance inside the Senate, including the alleged gunshot reports, as part of efforts to clarify what transpired and ensure accountability for any security lapses or violations.
