Senate minority walks out over heated debate on electronic voting

Members of the Senate minority bloc staged a walkout following the majority bloc's insistence on discussing amendments to the rules on electronic voting.

On Tuesday, May 26, the Senate debated a proposal by Senator Rodante Marcoleta to amend Rule 14, Section 41 of the Senate Rules. Marcoleta moved to insert a new provision, Section 41-C, which would expand remote participation in Senate proceedings.

"Section 41-C: Allow a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in a session through teleconference, video conference or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate information and communication technology," he read.

Members of the minority opposed the motion, arguing that the proposal did not align with Senate rules.

Senator Erwin Tulfo questioned why the majority was "in such a hurry to tackle this motion."

“Why is the majority in such a hurry to tackle this motion and divide the house? We need answers in the minority. Or is it because they’re in a hurry because of news reports that probably two of our colleagues might land in jail this weekend? Is that the reason why?” Tulfo said, alluding to reports that a plunder case against Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva will be filed in the Sandiganbayan soon.

Cayetano countered that they "take offense" at motives being questioned.

"You do not make those kinds of statements here in the Senate because you assume good faith from everyone. That rule hindi minadali; May 11 pa ho 'yon," he claimed.

While Cayetano was speaking, Tulfo walked out of the chamber, followed by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros, among others.

Talking to the media on his way out of the session hall, Tulfo said: "Binobola lang tayo eh. Pinagpipilitan nila, [sa] isip-isip siguro nila dahil lumabas na sa media ay may ilalabas nang warrant of arrest. Para maka boto yung mga makukulong, kung sino man yun, para maka boto sila kung naka kulong na sila."

Following these events, the session was suspended and adjourned until Monday, June 1, at 5 p.m.