Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban on Friday condemned recent developments in the Senate, particularly the filing of cases against several members of the majority bloc, describing the timing as “suspicious.”
Speaking during a forum, PDP deputy spokesman lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the group was concerned and disappointed over the ongoing conflict between the Senate majority and minority.
“Nais po namin ipahayag ang amin pong pagkabahala, ang aming pagkadismaya sa mga pangyayari na nagaganap ngayon tungkol sa ating Senado,” Topacio said.
“Unang-una pong nais naming kondenahin ay yung suspicious timing ng paghahain ng mga kaso laban sa mga senador na identified sa majority,” he added.
Topacio also accused the Office of the Ombudsman of allegedly acting as a “puppet” of Malacañang in relation to cases filed and being pursued against several senators allied with the majority bloc.
“Ang Ombudsman po ngayon ay puppet ng Malacañang,” he said.
“‘Yan po araw-araw halos ay napatutunayan, hindi lamang pahayag ng ating Ombudsman kundi sa paghahain ng mga kaso,” he added.
Topacio specifically criticized the plunder and indirect bribery complaints reportedly filed against Senator Rodante Marcoleta in connection with the ₱75 million in allegedly undisclosed campaign donations.
“Saan kayo nakakita ng plunder dahil sa campaign contributions, kung tama po ‘yun wala na pong pwedeng magcontribute sa kampanya,” he said.
He also condemned the obstruction of justice complaint filed against Senator Robin Padilla and five others over their alleged involvement in helping Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa leave the Senate premises.
Topacio said the actions of the minority could undermine and disrupt the legislative process by depriving the Senate of a quorum if they fail to get what they want.
“Ibig niyong sabihin, kapag ang minority ay hindi nila makuha ang kanilang gusto, sisirain nila, wawasakin nila ang legislative process by depriving the Senate of a quorum?” Topacio said.
“Sila ay hinalal ng milyon-milyon para maging kinatawan. How can you represent the people if you’re walking out?” he added.
Several senators from the majority bloc are facing complaints and investigations, including Senators Rodante Marcoleta, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, former Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, and Camille Villar and Mark Villar.
Also, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa continues to face issues related to the International Criminal Court (ICC), including an alleged arrest warrant, while Senator Bong Go is also reportedly facing a possible arrest warrant from the ICC.
