Sen. Raffy Tulfo on Saturday called for a transparent investigation into the shooting incident inside the Senate on May 13, saying the disruption has delayed key legislative work and undermined the chamber’s normal operations.

In a statement, Tulfo expressed concern over the incident, noting that several bills were already set for sponsorship but have been postponed due to the turmoil.

“Nakakalungkot na maraming mahahalagang panukalang batas ang nakahanda na para sa sponsorship ngunit patuloy na nade-delay dahil sa kaguluhan sa Senado,” he said.

“Dapat magkaroon ng isang transparent na imbestigasyon sa mga nangyari at lumabas ang katotohanan upang bumalik na sa normal ang aming trabaho at magawa namin ang mandatong ipinagkatiwala sa amin ng taumbayan," he added.

Tulfo also acknowledged the decision to suspend Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Acting Chief Mao Aplasca, who had admitted to being the first to fire a weapon during the incident, despite the presence of Senate employees and media personnel at the premises.

He also said accountability should extend to a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) asset who allegedly returned fire during the incident, saying both sides must be held responsible.

“Ang pagpapanatili ng integridad at kredibilidad ng Senado ay dapat manaig higit sa pulitika at pansariling interes,” Tulfo said, adding that the institution exists to serve the Filipino people.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting inside the Senate compound.