Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, on Tuesday, May 5, raised concerns over the Senate leadership’s readiness to maintain interparliamentary courtesy between the two chambers of Congress, following discussions on whether lawmakers could be subjected to subpoenas from the other chamber.

During the plenary session of the Senate, Lacson questioned the implications of setting a precedent where a member of Congress could be compelled to attend hearings of the other chamber through subpoena, warning that such a move could strain bicameral relations and institutional respect.

“It must be emphasized that no member of Congress has ever been subjected to a subpoena by either chamber. Such an act would risk undermining the balance and mutual respect that define bicameral relations,” Lacson said.

He further cautioned that disregarding long-standing parliamentary courtesy could open the door to unprecedented situations involving high-ranking officials, including former and current legislative leaders.

Lacson cited hypothetical scenarios involving House inquiries, including possible invitations or subpoenas to senators, stressing the need for consistency in upholding institutional norms. He also mentioned Senator Rodante Marcoleta in illustrating potential future conflicts if inter-chamber protocols are set aside.

“Handa po ba ang liderato ng Senado na baliwalain ang interparliamentary courtesy na umiiral sa Kongreso?” he asked, underscoring the importance of preserving mutual respect between the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The senator warned that deviating from established practices could lead to institutional friction and weaken the traditional balance between the two chambers of the Philippine legislature.