Tensions escalated during the Senate session on Thursday, June 3, after Senator Cynthia Villar said Senate President Vicente Sotto III gave “special attention” to colleagues who were physically joining the proceedings.

The argument started with Villar asking if the vote of Senator Bong Go was recorded when the chamber refused to ratify the bicameral conference committee report on the bill modernizing the Bureau of Fire Protection.

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Sotto said no, because Go was not physically present and he did not respond in Zoom during the roll call and when the bicam report was put up to a vote. 

When Villar started explaining that Go had weak Wi-Fi signal, Sotto said it was not an excuse.

“I don’t think we should put it that way because if you are going to put it that way, you’ll have to be here present physically so that your vote will be counted,” said Sotto.

This struck a nerve in Villar, who said senators like her were unable to go to the Senate in person because they were senior citizens. The national government has a standing rule barring those aged 65 and above from leaving their homes.

Villar had previously clashed with Senator Nancy Binay over the proposal to allow fully vaccinated seniors to go out of their homes. 

“Mr. Senate President, I’m not talking [about] Mr. Go now. I’m just talking [about] that [statement] you always say that you should be here. How can we be there? We’re seniors; we’re not allowed to get out of our home,” said Villar.

“That’s my question, because you always say that you’re not always here, as if you give special attention to those who [go] there. But remember, we’re seniors,” she added.

It was at this point that Sotto and Villar began talking at the same time, their voices raised. 

A visibly pissed Sotto then reiterated that he was just answering the question involving Go, whom the Senate President pointed out was not even a senior citizen. 

He said if a senator knows that he or she does not have decent internet connection, then it would be better if the legislator physically shows up during the session to cast his or her vote. 

“I was not pertaining to the seniors! As a matter of fact, Senator Bong Go is not a senior! Oh? So he should be here!” said Sotto.

“I take exception to what you’re saying! Akala mo pinariringgan ko kayo. Hindi kayo pinariringgan! (You think I’m alluding to you. I’m not!) You don’t have to be here if you don’t want to. You are seniors! I was pertaining to Senator Bong Go and the vote,” added the Senate President.

With a frown on his face, Sotto then banged the gavel and suspended the session.

It would take almost an hour before Sotto and Villar were able to clear their heads and make amends with each other.

When Sotto resumed the session, Villar spoke up and called his attention

“Mr. Senate President, yeah, I’m sorry ha? ’Wag ka magalit (I’m sorry, okay? Don’t be mad). Sorry, sorry,” said Villar, who was now smiling.

Her apology eased the tension in the chamber, as senators – including Sotto himself – laughed. 

The Senate President likewise apologized to his colleagues for the heated exchange.

“It’s alright. I also would like to beg the indulgence of our colleagues, including Senator Villar, if I had to raise my voice a little because I wanted to be understood, what I was explaining,” said Sotto. 

The Senate was then supposed to tackle several other bills, among them measures easing restrictions on foreign investments that President Rodrigo Duterte had certified as urgent, and the bill postponing the elections in the Bangsamoro region.

But Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the leadership has decided to just end the session earlier than expected, to the delight of the rest of the senators.

“After a very exciting and emotional afternoon, we decided in the lounge that today we may have to adjourn early for our colleagues,” said Zubiri.

The Senate then adjourned its session sine die at past 7 pm. The chamber will reopen in July, on the same day Duterte will deliver his final State of the Nation Address. – Rappler.com