Lacson pushed back, saying Senate rules — not legal credentials — should guide proceedings.

“I have a simple message — it’s the rules, stupid,” he said in an online post.

The statement was made after Marcoleta on Tuesday, in a condescending tone, questioned Hontiveros’ lack of legal background in relation to the procedure.

“Ito po ang mahirap kasi kung wala po tayong legal background dito. Hindi bagong motion ito... Kasasabi ko lang po May 11, minove ko na po ito,” Marcoleta said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Erwin Tulfo quickly responded that Marcoleta’s statement was “ad hominem.”

The motion under debate would allow senators to join plenary sessions online, amid reports that some lawmakers could face possible jail time over corruption and human rights cases.

The dispute escalated as Lacson and the Solid Bloc 11 minority questioned the majority’s move to tackle and vote on the proposal despite its earlier referral to the Committee on Rules.

Lacson cited Rule 24, which requires committees to deliberate on referred matters, arguing it should have applied instead of Rule 136, which the majority invoked.

He also pointed out that the Committee on Rules currently has no chairman or members following a leadership reorganization on May 11.

Outnumbered, the minority bloc staged a walkout after the majority pushed through with the motion. Lacson later described the move as strategic, saying the minority has the rules on their side despite lacking the numbers.