Robin Padilla comforts Jinggoy Estrada during heated Senate session
Sen. Robin Padilla comforted Sen. Jinggoy Estrada after the mention of senators facing charges during the May 26 session.
During Tuesday’s session, senators debated proposed amendments to the Senate rules, particularly the proposal by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to allow senators with valid reasons to attend and participate in plenary sessions remotely through electronic means.
For their part, members of the minority bloc pushed back, with Sen. Ping Lacson arguing that the Committee on Rules had effectively ceased to function after its members vacated their posts.
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan also questioned why the majority was allegedly “railroading” the process, pointing out that the proposed motion should still comply with the one-day rule before it can be acted on by June 1.
Amid the tension, Sen. Erwin Tulfo echoed the sentiment, saying the majority appeared to be in a hurry due to the alleged impending arrest of some Senate members.
"We need answers in the minority. Or is it because, Madam Chair, 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? Is that the reason why they have to have this inserted, this Section 41-C, para makaboto po kung sino man yung makukulong dahil sa announcement ng Ombudsman na may ilalabas na po ang warrant sa ilan sa mga kasamahan natin? That is my question, Madam President," Tulfo said.
After Tulfo's remark, Padilla was seen hugging and patting Estrada's back.
Following that, several members of the Senate minority bloc walked out after the majority bloc pushed to tackle amendments to the rules on electronic voting.
During Cayetano’s speech, Senator Raffy Tulfo left the session hall, followed by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, and others.
Senator Joel Villanueva and Estrada are facing a plunder case over their alleged involvement in an anomalous flood control project. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that they are set to file the cases on Thursday.
Marcoleta, along with three other individuals, has been placed under a precautionary hold departure order to prevent them from traveling overseas amid the plunder and bribery complaints filed against them.
