Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, through a Facebook Live on Tuesday, June 2, responded to Senator Raffy Tulfo’s recent challenge for him to appear in plenary, stressing the need for professionalism in Senate proceedings and rejecting accusations of “cowardice” tied to his absence during certain sessions.

Cayetano emphasized that Senate work must be guided by proper roles in both prosecution and defense, noting that lawmakers must first determine the context of accountability before public confrontation.

“Defense at tsaka po ng prosecution. Prosecution muna kasi ikaw yung na-a-accuse. Then defense kasi nga, dinidefensahan mo sarili mo,” Cayetano said, explaining the procedural nature of legislative and investigative work.

Addressing Tulfo directly, Cayetano rejected the claim that failing to appear in plenary equates to cowardice, arguing that leadership decisions must be based on duty rather than public pressure or provocation.

“Yung kaduwagan po ay nag-uugat yan sa ano ba ang purpose at trabaho mo… So hindi ito usapin ng tapang lang,” he said, adding that responsibilities should not be reduced to personal challenges.

He also stressed that the Senate is not an entertainment platform but a formal legislative institution.

“This is not a radio or TV program. This is not entertainment. This is the Senate of the Philippines. So we have to be more professional,” Cayetano said.

The Senate President also cautioned against turning institutional issues into personal attacks, urging colleagues to confront matters squarely while maintaining decorum.

Cayetano’s remarks came after Tulfo challenged him to attend the next plenary session, warning that failure to do so would be seen as an act of fear, amid ongoing tensions within the Senate leadership and minority blocs.

As of writing, Senator Tulfo has yet to issue a response to Cayetano’s latest statements.