Gatchalian orders probe on wacky shots, dancing video taken in Senate
Senate President Win Gatchalian has ordered a probe into reported inappropriate antics that took place in the Senate session hall.
While Gatchalian did not name any individuals involved, group photos of House prosecutors circulated online, showing them doing goofy poses after the 39th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
"Ang session hall at Senado ay sagrado dahil dito natin ginagawa ang marami sa mahahalaga nating batas, mga pinag-uusapan nating mahalagang isyu," he told reporters on Oct. 15.
"Dapat respetuhin itong institusyon na ito, at hindi naman tama na may ginagawa kang katawa-tawa sa loob ng ating institusyon."
Gatchalian echoed the same when he was asked about former presidential spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo and a vlogger dancing for a TikTok video in the hallways.
"Hindi puwedeng gumawa ng mga katawa-tawang mga aksyon sa loob ng Senado. Hindi tama ‘yun," he said.
Gatchalian added that he is asking the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms look into CCTV footage to verify the said photos.
"Pinapa-check ko sa CCTV kung totoo ‘yun, kasi ngayon uso ‘yung AI eh, to be honest about it. I want to make sure lang na hindi AI ‘yun, hindi ginawa lang sa Photoshop," he said.
If the photos and videos are proven authentic, Gatchalian said that the Senate will issue statements and warnings.
The Duterte impeachment trial is currently on recess and will return on Nov. 9.
In the last session, the prosecution withdrew three of the four articles of impeachment, specifically the charges concerning misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats.
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