Sen. Panfilo Lacson criticized a fellow senator on Tuesday for belittling Sen. Risa Hontiveros during a debate over proposed amendments to allow electronic voting in the Senate.
Though not directly naming him, Lacson was responding to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who questioned Hontiveros' qualifications, stating she lacked a legal background.
In a condescending tone, a colleague, who is a lawyer took issue with Sen Hontiveros' lack of 'legal background.' I have a simple message — it's the rules stupid.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson
The debate intensified as the minority bloc staged a walkout in protest against the majority's push to expedite discussions on the amendment.
The amendment proposal, initiated by Marcoleta, aimed to allow remote participation in Senate proceedings, a topic that gained traction following the return of Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
Lacson argued against the legitimacy of the proposed changes, questioning whether the Senate Committee on Rules had been properly constituted after recent leadership changes.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano defended the proposal, citing Rule 51, which permits amendments via majority vote.
However, Lacson countered, stating that without properly formed committees, the Senate risks sidestepping crucial procedural reviews.
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