SENATE SCUFFLE

A tense confrontation erupted at the Senate on Thursday involving Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Senators Robin Padilla and Pia Cayetano shortly before a hearing on flood control projects convened by a bloc of senators led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

The incident unfolded after Remulla arrived at the Senate following a request from Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, amid reports that individuals invited as resource persons to the hearing would not be allowed entry into the Senate premises.

Questioning the move, Alan Peter Cayetano challenged the restriction, asking whether senators were being prevented from hosting guests and whether the authority of the committee conducting the hearing was being disregarded.

Around 9:30 a.m., Senators Pia Cayetano and Robin Padilla proceeded to the Senate lobby to accompany invited resource persons, reportedly individuals claiming knowledge of alleged irregularities linked to former congressman Zaldy Co.

Moments later, Remulla and the lawmakers became involved in a heated exchange in a narrow hallway. Witnesses described the encounter as involving pushing and jostling before the senators and their guests continued to the hearing venue.

Remulla later dismissed allegations that he had attempted to block the lawmakers or their guests.

According to the Interior chief, he was alone at the time and was already on his way out of the Senate when he was caught amid a crowd moving through the corridor. He maintained that no police personnel were deployed to prevent anyone from entering the building.

The Cabinet official clarified that his presence was related to security preparations, saying he was coordinating the deployment of police units in anticipation of possible protest activities near the Senate complex.

Earlier in the day, the Philippine National Police announced heightened police visibility around the Senate and nearby government offices as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and order.

The latest incident highlights the growing tensions within the Senate as rival blocs continue to clash over committee proceedings and legislative priorities.