Sen. Bam Aquino has filed a resolution seeking a full investigation into the reported discharge of firearms inside the Senate complex, warning that political conflicts should not distract leaders from addressing rising fuel and food prices affecting Filipinos.
Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 397 following the reported shooting incident inside the Senate premises while armed law enforcement personnel were present.
“Unang-una, kailangan kong klaruhin, walang lugar ang armadong komprontasyon o pagputok ng baril sa loob ng Senado,” Aquino said.
The senator said the proposed inquiry aims to determine what exactly happened that night, including possible lapses in security protocols and communication systems inside the Senate.
“Kaming mga Senador, hindi rin malinaw. Hanggang ngayon, hindi rin malinaw kung ano ba talaga yung nangyari,” Aquino said.
He added that Senate employees feared for their safety during the incident.
“Merong nangyaring pagputok, maraming empleyado, ang inakalang mamamatay sila,” he said.
Aquino said the investigation should identify who should be held accountable and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The senator also commented on the recent leadership changes in the Senate that came amid political tensions involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
Aquino said political alignments should not interfere with the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities, particularly if impeachment articles are transmitted to the chamber.
“Para itigil yung constitutional duty namin dahil sa kampihan, yun mali yun,” Aquino said.
He added that the leadership transition would test whether the Senate would continue to fulfill its role independently and fairly.
Aquino also expressed concern that the political disputes dominating public attention were overshadowing economic issues confronting ordinary Filipinos.
“Maraming nanonood pero walang natutuwa… Dahil none of those discussions actually talks about the Filipino people na meron pa ring oil crisis ngayon, meron pa ring cost of living crisis ngayon, marami pa ring nahihirapan,” he said.
The senator urged the public to remain focused on issues affecting daily living costs, including fuel prices and the rising price of rice, which he said could reach P64 per kilo by July.
Aquino also criticized the government for not suspending excise taxes on fuel amid inflation.
He encouraged Filipinos to remain vocal online and continue monitoring government actions and political developments.
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