Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has responded defiantly to Senator Robin Padilla's intentions to file an ethics complaint against him. During a recent statement, Pangilinan indicated he would also pursue a counter-complaint.
Pangilinan criticized Padilla for being "balat sibuyas" or overly sensitive, arguing the proposed complaint lacks legal merit. He pointed out the unusual nature of such a complaint in the Senate.
In all my years in the Senate, and despite many shouting matches, this may be the first time an ethics case like this will be filed.
Francis Pangilinan
He noted that heated debates often lead to raised voices, which should not warrant ethical scrutiny. Pangilinan stated, "If that were considered an ethics violation, many senators would have already been charged."
Should Padilla go ahead with his complaint, Pangilinan plans to allege that Padilla acted out of order, lacking decorum and engaging in intimidation during a recent Senate recess.
Bullying and acting like a tough guy won’t work on me. That kind of behavior is more grounds for a complaint.
Francis Pangilinan
Pangilinan clarified he does not seek conflict but will not shy away from standing his ground if challenged. "I don’t want a fight. I’m not quarrelsome, but I won’t back down if he wants to file a case," he emphasized.
This dispute arises from discussions in the Senate concerning alleged harassment and human rights violations linked to the National Bureau of Investigation.