Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, May 20, delivered a privilege speech during the Senate plenary, strongly condemning recent violent incidents inside and around the chamber and calling them a serious blow to the institution’s credibility and moral authority.

Hontiveros expressed concern over what she described as the apparent normalization or downplaying of the events despite their gravity.

“Sa loob-loob ko, hindi ako mapanatag na simula noong Lunes, ang ipinapakita natin ay, para bang walang nangyari,” she said. “Na para bang walang nangyari.”

She added that the incident should not be treated lightly or reduced to fragmented narratives in the media and online platforms.

“Na para bang hindi nabastos ang ating institusyon, ang ating mga empleyado at mga Pilipino. Hindi maliit na bagay ang nangyari dito at mas lalong hindi dapat inaasa sa Facebook Live, press conference at media interviews ang pagtatahi-tahi ng mga nangyari. Ganito na ba talaga kababa ang inabot ng ating politika sa Pilipinas?” she said.

The senator emphasized that the situation inside the Senate goes beyond political disagreement and reflects a deeper erosion of institutional respect.

“Kapag may nagpaputok ng baril, right here in the people’s house… this is no longer political disagreement,” she said, citing the need for accountability and proper investigation.

She also referenced ongoing probes by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), noting that findings are still being validated.

Despite her criticisms, Hontiveros urged colleagues to uphold the Senate’s institutional integrity and restore public trust, saying she refuses to believe the chamber is beyond repair.

The Senate has yet to release a formal institutional response addressing the concerns raised in the privilege speech.