Tensions rose in the Senate on Wednesday as Sen. Pia Cayetano became emotional while pushing back against remarks that appeared to downplay the gunfire incident inside the chamber last week.
Cayetano reacted on the floor to a statement attributed to Sen. Risa Hontiveros suggesting that it seemed “parang walang nangyari” following the May 13 shooting incident.
“Parang walang nangyari. Yan po ang statement ng ating butihing Senadora Hontiveros,” Cayetano said, before breaking down as she described the fear she experienced during the incident.
She said the shooting caused panic among senators and staff, with some running for safety without knowing where to go.
“Para sa amin na nandito, napakaraming nangyari. Takot na takot po ako na kailangan ko nang magpaalam sa mga anak ko,” Cayetano said.
She also expressed disappointment that some colleagues from their former majority bloc allegedly did not check on them after the incident.
“Some of you I’ve known for 20 years, 10 years, and I didn’t even hear any of you say, ‘Kumusta kayo dyan?’ Napakasakit nun sa ‘kin,” she said, as Sen. Loren Legarda was seen comforting her in the plenary.
Cayetano stressed that the experiences of those present during the incident should not be questioned.
“Kung wala ho kayo dito, ‘wag niyong kwestyunin yung mga nangyari sa mga nandito,” she said.
Hontiveros later clarified that her remark referred to the Senate’s institutional response after the shooting, not the personal experiences of those inside the chamber.
She said the incident had deeply affected senators but emphasized the need for action.
“Our grief as senators is valid, but our mandate requires action,” Hontiveros said.
Sen. Vicente Sotto III said the matter may be referred to a committee of the whole, citing its implications on institutional security, while Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano suggested discussing it in caucus to avoid disrupting other legislative business.
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