President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed concern over what he described as a shift in Senate conduct, saying deliberations in the upper chamber have increasingly become personal rather than focused on policy and legislation.
Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Japan, Marcos said he viewed recent developments in the Senate with concern, drawing from his own experience as a former senator.
“Very [concerning]. I watched with horror that the Senate has become this,” he said, recalling a discussion with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, also a former senator.
Marcos said Senate debates during his time were marked by firm but professional exchanges centered on policy issues rather than personalities.
“Of course, the only basis for comparison that I have is the time that I was in the Senate. And I never imagined that the Senate would descend into this kind of what’s happening right now,” he said.
He added that the tone of current deliberations appeared to have changed significantly.
“’Yung Senado hindi na kagaya noong panahon natin. Dahil nagpe-personalan na eh. Naging personal. Ang babaw na ng usapan,” Marcos said, noting that discussions had shifted toward personal attacks.
Marcos recalled that past Senate debates often involved intense interpellations but remained within the bounds of professionalism.
“There were senators that when we were discussing work matters, we really did not agree. Then someone would stand up and interpellate. And those interpellations were really tough, well-studied, and no-holds-barred,” he said.
He stressed that legislative work should remain anchored on public service.
“It’s about work. It’s not about personalities,” Marcos said.
The President also raised concern over recent developments involving the Senate and its handling of former Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is facing arrest in connection with an International Criminal Court case tied to alleged drug war killings during the previous administration.
Marcos said he was also dismayed by reports of a shooting incident inside the Senate premises while Dela Rosa was under Senate protective custody.
“The Senate is now sheltering fugitives from justice. How did that happen? I don’t understand how a Senate is supposed to function if those are the kind of things that the Senate is embroiled in. I hope they figure it out soon. I really do,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to restore institutional discipline and refocus on their legislative mandate, saying public trust depends on the professionalism of the chamber.
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