Senate Session | May 26, 2026

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:07:44]for the senators who have led us in prayer the last few days. Truly to be united in prayer is a blessing.

[00:07:52]Secretary, please call the role.

[00:07:55]>> Roll call of members. The honorable Senator Aino, Senator Kaitanopia, Senator Delar Rosa, Senator Ehersito, Senator Escodero, Senator Estrada, Senator Gachalan, Senator G, Senator Oniveros, Senator Lson, Senator Lapid, Senator Legarda, Senator Maruetta, Senator Marcos, Senator Padilia, Senator Pangilina, Senator Sto, Senator Tulfo, Irvin centerf Rafi.

[00:08:49]>> Senate President Kano Alan is present.

[00:08:55]here.

[00:09:00]>> The building Stop or go.

[00:09:32]Okay. There are 22 senators present. The chair declares the presence of a corum.

[00:09:44]Majority Leader, before we go to the journal, just an announcement. So there are 23 senators present.

[00:09:52]Na co stop or go be before you we go to the journal. Just a announcement. Um Joel, you have the investigation.

[00:10:08]So um maybe after the reference of business uh or even before that uh as announced yesterday we'll have an all member caucus uh we will discuss two things.

[00:10:22]We'll finalize the schedule. There's some amendments uh from the secretariat and also some announcements and some questions uh if there are any suggestions for preparation of our staff. Uh secondly, uh one senator, and I I thank him, but I won't name him because I didn't ask him yesterday, inquired about the investigation of the DOJ uh to the May 13 events. So, uh we continue to receive uh subpoenas or uh requests for information from different uh agencies and departments.

[00:11:01]Uh we have from the start fully cooperated. We agreed to a joint investigation with the so we want to share the information and get direction from uh all members uh just for the information so that there'll be no misunderstanding.

[00:11:19]Then I guess the news uh is the news and uh there's no surprises there. So after the all member caucus we will ask the indulgence of the minority because the majority while we are still the majority will have a majority caucus uh after so if there are any important matters you want to bring up after the journal uh of course that is your uh privilege majority leader.

[00:11:43]>> Yes Mr. President, before we proceed, may I just uh be allowed to acknowledge some guests from the gallery, guests of uh our Senate President and the Senate, the Council of Bishops and Ministers Association of the Philippines, CB Map.

[00:11:59]Uh we have with us also former presidential advisor for religious affairs, our dear Bishop uh Tito Buchel.

[00:12:07]He's uh here with us >> who celebrated his >> celebrated his birthday, Mr. President, yesterday. Mr. President, we also have guests of Senator Ligarda, Dr. Godilene Hisol, Dr. Jelene Alentahan and Mr. Reineer Paul Teolo Yogo, guest of Sen Senate Minority Leader Tito, Dr. John Ortiz Chop, guest of uh Senate President Kayano, Princess Bustamante, Miss Tin World, Philippines, Earth 2026, who hails from Tagig City. We welcome all of them in this August chamber, Mr. Yes.

[00:12:42]>> And we'd like to thank the not only the bishops but the millions of Filipinos who are praying for the Senate and for the country. Uh your prayers are felt by both the minority and the majority.

[00:12:55]>> Yes, >> Mr. President. Uh Senator Leto Lapid is seeking the floor. Uh may I move that he be acknowledged. Mr. President, >> uh may I ask for silence? We want to listen to the legend. Senator Mr. President minority group.

[00:13:53]Your manifestation is uh noted and majority senator.

[00:14:03]Mr. President >> Senator I just like to comment um I think we have been we are batch mates since 2004. So majority minority one What? What does the What does the brother say? No, I I am trying to figure out maintenance medicine.

[00:15:10]Mr. President, Mr. President, at this juncture, I move that we dispense with the reading of the journal of the 67th session, May 25, 2026, and consider the same as approved. Let us uh first recognize the former Senate President and the present minority leader. Senator Dto sir.

[00:15:34]>> Thank you sir. I am not objecting. I would just like to make sure that the manifestation of Senator Lid is manifested in the journal because in the journal yesterday it is manifested that he did not agree with the motion of Senator Sabiri. So we want that correct.

[00:15:51]Before we approve the journal, uh the journal should accurately >> Yeah. reflect that uh Senator Leto Lapid agreed uh with every member of the >> minority.

[00:16:04]>> Minority. Yes.

[00:16:06]>> Thank you, sir.

[00:16:07]>> And in the end, we agreed as a body, no to find a way uh a way forward. Yes.

[00:16:13]>> Senator Winfr.

[00:16:17]>> Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, majority floor leader. Uh it's a quick manifestation or if not a uh sort of point of uh clarification. Mr. President, >> please proceed.

[00:16:29]>> I heard that the media are uh uh their access to areas in the Senate are limited. Is this is there a new rule right now, Mr. President?

[00:16:40]uh they are banned from going to the sixth floor to conduct interviews or or or wait for our VIPs and then they are not allowed anymore in our railings. I mean >> I will check I have no information. I have not moved to the sixth floor please.

[00:16:57]>> Uh I am still holding office here. Uh sometimes we ask them to allow us to pass going to the session hall. We can't blame them because uh the Senate is hot topic. Uh there's been some senators who have asked because usually we confine to some areas but because of the activity since May uh uh 11 everyone wants to get their footage whether in their official camera. So I think uh we've just asked for a little bit of order here but we uh let me inquire but so far I have no information that we're limiting uh any movement from the media.

[00:17:36]>> Thank you Mr. president because that's uh uh they were told by uh I don't know I really don't know uh whose order uh did it come from >> they were told that >> that uh they're not allowed to uh go to the sixth floor anymore and uh to move away from the railings because they were just surprised Mr. President that uh there previous >> Let me check the sixth floor because I don't hold office in the sixth floor.

[00:18:03]>> Yes. So >> they're asking if there's a new rule, Mr. President.

[00:18:07]>> Yes. But as far as the railings is concerned, that has been an old ruling uh before they're even allowed on the floor when you were not still a senator, sir. Uh before 3:00, but what happens is that sometimes the Senate President, that was before I left the Senate to go to DFA Senate Majority Leader. I don't know when we changed the rule floor but they have allotted space all over but we also have guest and then our staff has the first row for obvious reasons but of course when there's uh activity on the floor they move forward.

[00:18:44]So if it's just a reminder to give the staff um uh enough space and also enough room that's okay. But if they're being uh prohibited or uh in any way they're they're being hampered from doing their job, then I'll make sure that uh that doesn't happen. But having said that, we do have limited space uh all over and medium.

[00:19:10]>> Thank you for the clarification, Mr. President, and for that assurance. Thank you.

[00:19:13]>> Thank you for bringing it up, Senator.

[00:19:15]>> Yes, Mr. President. I move for the previous question that we uh uh dispense with the reading of the journal of the 67th session May 25, 2026 and consider the same as approved.

[00:19:27]>> Any objection?

[00:19:30]Hearing none, the motion is approved.

[00:19:32]>> Mr. President, at this juncture, I move that we proceed with a reference of business.

[00:19:37]>> There's no objection. Please proceed.

[00:19:43]>> Bills on first reading. Senate bill number 2151 titled an act urging the comprehensive planning, development and export promotion of the ube providing funds therefore and for other purposes introduced by Senator Marcos.

[00:19:58]>> Referred to the committees on agriculture, food and agarian reform, trade, commerce and entrepreneurship and finance. Number 2152, an act defining the rights and fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders, declaring state responsibilities, and instituting effective mechanisms for the protection and promotion of these rights and freedoms by Senator Oniveros.

[00:20:21]referred to the committee on justice and human rights.

[00:20:24]>> An act granting the Katibbach Enterprises, San Pablo City Incorporated, a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television stations in the Philippines by Senator Aino.

[00:20:37]referred to the committee on public services.

[00:20:39]>> An act establishing a college of medicine in Eastern Summer State University in the province of Borangan, province of Eastern Summer and appropriating funds therefore by Senator Aino >> referred to the committees on higher ed higher technical and vocational education, ways and means and finance.

[00:20:57]An act unifying the national police clearance system and national bureau of investigation clearance system creating the unified criminal clearance system database providing funds therefore and for other purposes by senator sa thei >> referred to the committees on justice and human rights public order and dangerous drugs and finance >> an act providing for a 5-year validity period of the professional identification cards of all professional regulation commission by senator tulfur rafi >> referred to the committee on civil service, government reorganization and professional regulation.

[00:21:32]>> Number 2157, an act institutionalizing the grant of internship allowance for students in public and private state universities and colleges in the Philippines by Senator Tulfur Rafi.

[00:21:43]>> Referred to the committee committees on higher technical and vocational education, ways and means and finance.

[00:21:50]Number 2158, an act modifying the prescriptive period of money claims arising out of employer employee relations, amending for this purpose article 306 of presidential decree number 442 as amended otherwise known as the labor code of the Philippines by senator Tulor Rafi >> referred to the committee on labor, employment and human resource development. Number 2159, an act regulating the planning, design, construction, occupancy, maintenance, and demolition of buildings, promoting building resilience against earthquake, fire, flood, landslide, storm, volcanic eruption, and multiple hazards within an all hazards approach to resilience building, enacting a new Philippine Building Act, repealing for the purpose Republic Act number 6541 entitled an act to ordain and institute a national building code of the Philippines and presidential decree number 1096 otherwise known as the national building code of the Philippines by Senator Tulfor Rafi >> referred to the committees on public works and finance >> an act strengthening the national anti-rabies program through the establishment of animal bite centers in rural health units the provision of free anti-raabies vaccinations and appropriating funds therefore by senator Tulfo Rafi >> referred to the committees on health and demography local government and finance >> okay Number 2161, an act mandating the establishment of mangrove buffer zones in development projects throughout the Philippines by Senator Hersto.

[00:23:21]>> Referred to the committees on environment, natural resources and climate change, tourism, ways and means and finance. Number 2162, an act declaring the Verde Island passage in the provinces of Batangas, Marinduk, accidental Mindor, Oriental Mindor, and RMlon as an echourism zone appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes by Senator Eherito.

[00:23:42]>> Referred to the committees on tourism, environment, natural resources and climate change and finance. Number 2163, an act mandating the establishment of 20ear sports excellence roadmap to strengthen grassroots sports program and to develop worldclass elite athletes appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes by Senator Ehersto.

[00:24:02]referred to the committee on sports and finance >> number 2164 an act establishing a one town one tourist attraction program to promote tourism and sustainable economic development and appropriating funds therefore by senator ehersto >> referred to the committees on tourism local government and finance >> number 2165 an act providing for a magna carta of tricycle drivers and operators institutionalizing mechanis mechanism for its implementation and for other purposes by senators referred to the committees on public services, local government and finance.

[00:24:38]>> Number 2166, an act prohibiting the indiscriminate use of beacons, sirens, and other emergency vehicle lights and audio accessories for moving motor vehicles except as prescribed by law providing penalties therefore and for other purposes by Senator Erhersto.

[00:24:53]>> Referred to the committees on public services and finance. Number 2167, an act assisting young athletes by providing programs and incentives for their development by Senator Erhersto.

[00:25:04]>> Referred to the committees on youth sports and finance.

[00:25:08]>> Number 2168, an act strengthening the commission on human rights CHR as a national human rights institution NHRI and for other purposes by Senator Ehersto >> referred to the committees on justice and human rights and finance. Number 2169, an act providing for stricter enforcement in the construction, installation, and maintenance of public safety signages by Senator Eherto.

[00:25:33]>> Referred to the committees on public works and finance.

[00:25:35]>> Number 2170, an act amending Republic Act number 10586, otherwise known as the Anti-Drunk and Drug Driving Act of 2013 and for other purposes by Senator Tulor Irwin.

[00:25:49]referred to the committee on public order and dangerous drug and public services >> resolutions. Proposed Senate resolution number 404 congratulating and commending Carl Gerald L. Drew Pokis Yolo for his remarkable performance in multiple medal wins at the 2026 artistic gymnastic apparatus world cup series by Senator Cayatano P.

[00:26:12]>> Referred to the committee on rules. 405 resolution commending and congratulating the winning shoe designers and Marikina shoe manufacturers for their outstanding achievement during the 15th international footwear design competition and recognizing the valuable contribution of the Marikina footwear industry by Senator Gatalyan >> referred to the committee on rules >> 406 directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in a native of legislation into the collapse of a ninestory building under construction in Angila City Pampanga with the N in view of conducting a comprehensive review of the national building code and related regulations, strengthening occupational safety standards, and ensuring accountability of responsible parties by Senator Pangilinan.

[00:26:57]>> Referred to the committees on public works, labor, employment, and human resource development. 407 honoring the courage, service, and commitment to duty of first lieutenant Ruth Angelic Pasos and Second Lieutenant Turkey and Laan Embudo of the Philippine Air Force and extending the profound condolences of the Senate to their buried families by Senator Ehersito.

[00:27:20]>> Referred to the committee on rules, majority leader.

[00:27:25]>> Yes, Mr. President. Mr. President, at this juncture and pursuant to rule 10, section 13 of the rules of the Senate, may I respectfully move to elect the following members of the committee on public order.

[00:27:40]Senators Go, Estrada, Marcoleta, Padilia, and Marcos.

[00:27:47]And upon the instruction of the chairperson, may I respectfully manifest the designation of Senators Go Estrada Marleta as vice chairperson of the committee. So move, Mr. President.

[00:27:58]>> Any objection hearing? None. The motion is approved.

[00:28:01]>> Mr. President, I move that we elect the following members of the committee on basic education.

[00:28:13]Again for the part of the majority senators Padilia Go Estrada Pia Cayatano Mark Villar Marcos Villanovva and Marcoleta and upon the instruction of the chairperson may I respectfully manifest the designation of senators a senator Padilia as vice chairperson of the committee. I so move Mr. Mr. President >> any objection hearing none the motion is approved.

[00:28:40]>> Mr. President, pursuant to rule 10, section 13 of the rules of the Senate, I now move to elect the following members of the committee on culture and the arts. Again, on the part of the majority, Senators Padilia, Piaayatano, Joel Villanovva, Marcolet, Senator Marcoleta, Senator Marcos, and upon the instruction of the chairperson, may I manifest the designation?

[00:29:04]Oh, sorry. Sorry, Mr. President. That's it, Mr. President. Uh, I so moved, Mr. President. Any objection hearing? None.

[00:29:12]The motion is approved.

[00:29:15]>> Mr. President. Um I move to elect the following members of the committee on com on higher technical and vocational education on the part of the uh majority. Senator Legarda as vice chairperson and uh for members Senator Piaakayatano, Senator Go, Senator Padilia and Senator Mark Villar. I so moved Mr. President.

[00:29:41]>> Any objection hearing? None. The motion is approved. May I ask for a minute suspension? Mr. President, >> before that uh majority leader, so I also have the list of other committees.

[00:29:51]Uh I with the permission of everyone, I will approach uh minority leader. I've been approaching Senator Migs or yourself on possible committees of the minority and then of course uh feel free to read your members of the existing committees at any time because I think the ratio is finalized. Then uh just for the information of everyone, we're aware that we do have to constitute the CA and the minority leader and I are talking.

[00:30:16]We're down to just one seat that we are discussing so that we can uh finalize journ >> for the caucus or just a minute suspension here.

[00:30:31]>> So I so we can talk about it Mr. President. Uh session is suspended.

[03:12:00]Tell you what, I'll take this out.

[03:22:29]Madam, >> session is resumed.

[03:22:45]Madame President, may I respectfully move that we resume consideration of House Bill number 6639 granting Philippine citizenship to Mr. Benny Boatright III? I so move. Madame President, >> any objection hearing? None.

[03:23:03]Resumption of consideration of the measure is approved. Madame President, the parliamentary status of the measure is that uh uh this has been uh uh sponsored on the floor and I move to open the uh period of interpolation and may we recognize the distinguished sponsor, Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan uh to sponsor the measure and this representation to uh ask some questions.

[03:23:26]Uh Madame President, >> we recognize Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan and to interpolate Senator Joel Villanva.

[03:23:33]>> Thank you Madame President. Uh thank you majority acting majority leader. Thank you, Madame President. Uh, distinguished colleague, uh, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on the the former, uh, uh, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice. May I >> of the former? Yes, the former.

[03:23:49]>> Yeah. May I may I be allowed to ask some, uh, clarificatory questions, some policy questions from this representation, Mr. Madame President, >> willingly to the basketball star of the US uh, >> Golden Tigers.

[03:24:02]>> I will no longer ask any questions.

[03:24:03]Madam see, uh kidding aside, Madame President, uh distinguished colleague who is also a uh sports afficionado uh although he hails from a different school uh the uh University of the Philippines, but uh last time when DLSU bagged the volleyball championship, I I saw him saying uh he is also from De Lasal, so I don't know. But >> high school I was a NCAA volleyball uh >> yes >> uh player in the Lasal Green Hills uh NCA juniors uh volleyball champion Mr. President USD champion four pits UAP Mr. President. But the kidding aside, Madame President, and just to go straight to the point, I I'd like to to point out some some some policy questions here. Madame President, in fact, I I have been a a uh supporter of this uh kind of measure. In fact, uh this representation filed and uh sponsored the uh uh naturalization of Justin Brownley. I I I know for a fact ma madame president the importance of being competitive especially in the international uh uh leagues. May May I ask uh Madame President if the sponsor would agree with this representation that indeed legislative um naturalization for athletes must remain an um an exceptional policy measure and not become a routine mechanism for uh strengthening the national team.

[03:25:40]>> We agree Mr. President that it should be taken uh more as an exception rather than the rule. Mr. President, in exceptional cases uh the legislative naturalization may be uh or ought to be or can be uh uh resorted to uh by by the Senate uh by Congress. Mr. President.

[03:26:00]>> Uh thank you for that uh Madame President and uh if I may also and the uh distinguished sponsor uh uh could correct this representation if I'm wrong because under the FIA rules or FIA regulations, countries are generally limited to only one naturalized player in uh official competitions indicating Mr. Mr. President, Madame President, that even international basketball uh rules contemplate naturalization as a narrow exemption rather than the foundation of a a certain national team.

[03:26:37]>> That is correct. Uh Mr. President, our um uh our SBP uh uh resource person uh confirms that. Mr. President, >> Mr. M President. Madame President, um Congress has recently seen an increasing uh number of legislative naturalization requests. Uh involving different players, no basketball.

[03:27:08]Would the sponsor agree with this representation that Congress must now examine whether the frequency of this request remains uh consistent with the exceptional character of legislative naturalization.

[03:27:23]>> Um we are more than willing Mr. President uh and uh we agree that uh this should be more the exception rather than the rule. Uh we do have to likewise place on record Mr. president that while while the FIA uh limits uh its naturalization uh uh of players to one uh this is not the case for example for the u Asian games where uh other uh the Asian games organizing committee allows for three uh naturalized players uh >> three years res >> uh with at least three years residence.

[03:28:03]So uh while on the one hand you have FIA limit limiting it to one, we find ourselves in the arena wherein the competition uh as among other basketball teams in the region or at least in the Asian games wherein they have three naturalized players and therefore uh in that case uh then we must look at how we can address the ability of our team to compete uh in such a uh setup or a scenario. Mr. President, >> I I I agree uh Madame President, distinguished colleague and uh I know for a fact as a basketball uh afficionado, this representation represented the country twice in international competition, although not too many people would would believe me, but uh you can Google it.

[03:28:54]>> We believe it, Mr. >> Senator Senator Bum believes uh Mr. president. But but let me point out uh madame president the the uh complication of of having a lot of uh players. So maybe let me ask this question. How does basketball or basketball SBP uh would would would look into this individual potential to actually represent our country in international competitions.

[03:29:37]>> Yes, Mr. President. uh uh we we are uh informed that it is the coach of our Philippine team basketball teams that uh do the scouting and uh there are several criteria but uh currently given uh the the competition that we are facing, the stiff competition that we are facing uh a key component apart from of course the willingness to be uh to embrace uh Filipino citizenship and uh the attendant uh uh interest uh in becoming Filipino would be the height for example uh that's why u uh Mr. Boatright is uh >> 61 >> 610 6 so that is one um consideration Mr. President given uh uh what we're facing in terms of uh uh other uh basketball teams in the region Mr. President >> the uh Senate President uh thought that he is 67. So it's he it's 610. The height is 67.

[03:30:41]>> 610. Mr. President.

[03:30:42]>> Mr. President, uh I I have no problems with the uh uh the gentleman uh uh the the the nominee Mr. Benny Boight. I have seen him play several times in the professional basketball. It's just that unfortunately he actually had an Achilles tear if I'm not mistaken like a year ago. So that is also my concern like u um of course when you look at the the the the pool right now and I think the gentleman uh the distinguished sponsor would agree with this representation that FIA recognizes uh players that acquire their nation's passport before they turn 16 years old as uh as locals. But uh again under FIBA international regulations uh book 3 article 3-21 there is a clause that allows players to still qualify if they have continuously resided in a country for at least 10 years before their 16th birthday. So uh my point here madame president is that indeed our teams for example in this particular case our guilas uh um should really prepare long long-term preparation when when these issues would come in. For instance, uh, Madame President, and I I I I really feel bad that it took so long for us uh uh in Congress to uh to to pass that uh citizenship of Justin Brownley. And uh I'm not sure how old he is right now, but uh I think he has been waiting for about four or five years before he was uh he became a naturalized Filipino. And uh that's the only time that he represented our country. So again, would would the sponsor agree that these rules um as mentioned by this representation significantly affect long-term roster planning for Gilas Filipinas? Because for example, Mr. President, as a basketball afficionado, and I think a lot of us here in this August chamber would agree with me, we have, for example, uh and and and we have acquired the services of uh Jordan Clarkson. We have Filipinos right now playing in the uh semifinals of the NBA. You have Dylan Harper, half Filipino from the uh San Antonio Spurs. We have Jared McCain from the uh Oklahoma Thunder. So, are we at all uh entertaining the idea of uh of uh securing their services to represent our country?

[03:33:15]>> Has that been discussed?

[03:33:25]Uh yes. Well, Mr. President, my understanding is they have in fact approached uh a number of the individuals that uh was mentioned by the good uh senator from Bulakan. But the preference of these uh Harper Clarkson Oh no, Harper McCain >> and McCain would uh would be to play uh uh for the US teams, Mr. President. But you're you're right. We we agree that there has to be a long-term uh uh strategic uh intervention that would uh uh bring us uh you know a a policy of recruitment and uh uh so that the best of our you know of of uh our Filipino American players, Filipino European players uh uh are are part of the strategic uh recruitment plan uh if you if we can call it such Mr. President for our basketball uh teams.

[03:34:28]>> Thank you for that, Madame President.

[03:34:30]And I have to also point out Jaylen Green of the Phoenix Suns. Uh Mr. President, uh just so we don't forget uh Mr. President. Um, if this proposed applicant is not naturalized, as mentioned a while ago by the distinguished sponsor, um, he cannot play with Justin Brownley in FIA rules, but he can play with Justin Brownley in Asian Games. Is that correct? Uh, your honor, >> that is, uh, correct, Mr. President.

[03:35:00]>> Thank you for that. again. Uh I was just told that Justin Brownley now is 38 years old >> and that is why he is uh uh he is uh not a spring chicken compared to uh his other teammates. Mr. President, >> but I would attest Mr. president that if I am to choose uh uh the best uh ever naturalized Filipino citizen to play for our country, it would be Justin Brownley. And uh I think uh a lot of people would agree with me.

[03:35:34]>> I agree with you, Mr. President >> with regards to his performance. Mr. President, just not to belabor the the matter, I I I just have one two more questions. U considering that the Philippines already has exist existing naturalized players specific rational uh for seeking naturalization of another basketball player to the point now we do we need at least three for instance if you talk about Asian Asian rules or how long do we uh or how many times do we need to do this uh Mr. Mr. President, just to just to set our policy straight. Uh Mr. President.

[03:36:14]>> Yes, Mr. President. Uh currently we have uh six players, Mr. President, uh naturalized uh basketball players granted Philippine citizenship citizenship. U uh Indonesia for example based on the data given us has five, Lebanon has five and Japan has 12. Uh so this gives us a sense of the competition out there in terms of naturalized uh uh players uh of their respective countries mentioned and uh and that's why uh we do have uh this pool of players uh there are several considerations for example some of them uh are better suited uh with respect to other players in a separate in another uh team. Uh so so the chemistry uh will be different for for each player and therefore uh a pool of players will then give uh our uh coaches uh more flexibility and leeway in terms of uh uh being able to team uh put together a a a strong team. Uh Mr. President, >> and it's not a policy that we're only looking after at uh these players with the enormous height advantage. Is that uh correct your honor? or that is the main uh goal >> that is a consideration Mr. president, but uh uh of course the ability to gel um the the um the attitude uh the character. In fact, when we were uh hearing this measure on uh Benny Boatright, uh his coach mentioned that among many or almost a significant number of the uh uh imports that he has worked with boat, right? He he he he is uh uh in that sense uh uh I know manage very manageable and very uh disciplined and uh does not give them any headaches Mr. President.

[03:38:24]>> Yeah. Coachable Mr. Pres Madame President and uh I' I I've seen him Mr. President no and that's why I I keep on saying I have no u objection of him being naturalized.

[03:38:36]I'm just uh trying to do my best to uh to uh set the stage specifically when it comes to our policies. Uh Mr. President, and as the sponsor made mention a while ago, attitude and character. U there were rumors before that uh there are some athletes, I'm not sure if it's uh in in the world of basketball or other sports etc. Mr. President lawabiding citizen citizen. Mr. President, >> yes, Mr. President, we made this clear during the hearings. In fact, uh, Senator Jingo Estrada was there uh asking uh Mr. boatright about you know his intentions regarding uh residing in the Philippines and uh and therefore yes uh there has to be that commitment. Uh this is his second time to come back. He he has already played for the San Miguel uh uh Beerman in the PBA and this is his second uh season. Uh and uh and therefore we agree uh that there has to be not simply a a commitment to play basketball for the country but to embrace uh uh to represent our flag means to embrace uh what it is to be Filipino. And uh uh in the questions that we raised uh we were uh convinced Mr. President that uh uh Mr. Ramos who is the uh uh wrestling uh uh how do you call it uh wonder kid in the US and Mr. Boatright uh qualify in terms of their desire to embrace Filipino culture and become citizens of the country. Thank you very much uh madame president. Uh that would be all my uh high school coach Al Francis Chua already texted me to uh stop asking questions but uh I I would just like to put on record that for me it is important that we uh lay down our policy with regard to uh naturalization. Uh Madame President and I thank the gentleman uh Senator Kiko Pangilan for answering my questions.

[03:41:16]Thank you. And that would be all. Thank you.

[03:41:17]>> And we thank uh the good gentleman from Bulakan and we agree with him Mr. president that the policy has to be clear-cut and that it should not be arbitrary and whimsical and just for the sake of uh bringing in uh citizens naturalized citizens for the heck of it.

[03:41:33]Mr. President, there has to be uh a clear-cut policy on this and we appreciate the questions raised uh by the good senator. Thank you, Madame President. Thank you, Senator Pangila.

[03:41:42]Madame President, there being no other reservation for >> interpen a majority leader. I see uh Senator Odante Marleta. What is your pleasure, Senator Dante?

[03:41:53]>> Madame President, I uh ask the sponsor if he's willing to take a few questions.

[03:42:00]>> We recognize Senator Dante Mar.

[03:42:01]>> Willingly, Mr. President, to our cabalen from Pampanga and Tlac.

[03:42:07]Madame President, it it's still about policy. Madame President, the bill on uh Benji Boight of course originated from the House of Representatives based on article 6 section 24 it being a private bill and I believe that the counterpart bill is is not different from the wordings of >> that is correct Mr. President. Uh the the authors in the Senate would be the Senate President Alan Cayotano uh Senator uh um Pia Cayano and Senator Bongo. Mr. President.

[03:42:49]>> Yes, Madame President. And uh let's say let's see section one says that Benji Franua Boight is hereby granted Philippine citizenship with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives etc etc. And then on section two, Madame President, sir sponsor, the same person shall take the oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before an officer duly authorized to administer the same.

[03:43:23]Madame President, citizenship is one, allegiance is another.

[03:43:30]How do we exactly measure the allegiance of a prospective uh person to acquire Philippine citizenship?

[03:43:43]Is it because uh we had a chance for example to win one game or two in in a competition and that's it.

[03:43:53]What is the policy? Uh did we have for example a study that in several competitions in the past when we had the opportunity of taking as much imports as we can in order to participate in international competitions and maybe we had some glories, maybe we won some and maybe we lose some. Is that the only consideration? Because we wanted to shine on one sport that we love most as Filipinos.

[03:44:24]consideration.

[03:44:27]Madame President, allegiance will take the place of patriotism.

[03:44:36]One who has the ability to to do something more for the Philippines.

[03:44:46]And as a matter of fact, if that citizenship is granted, he should be he should also be prepared to die for this country. Can we because it seems to me that it's easy to to to grant citizenship on the basis of how we plays in basketballification.

[03:45:19]But unfortunately, Madame President, does it matter or doesn't it matter?

[03:45:36]But here is somebody an applicant another applicant who has demonstrated his love for for Philippines. So Madame President sponsor.

[03:45:51]>> Yes, Mr. President, we we agree with the good uh senator from Tardlock, the gentleman from Tarlock that uh uh mere being able to play uh for champion uh and and and uh become uh uh critical or or significant contributions to a champion team should not be the uh the only basis for citizenship. Mr. president. Uh in fact uh in many instances in this chamber we have granted uh we have naturalized uh Philippi uh uh citizens uh who are not basketball players. In in other words uh uh uh uh it's not merely uh because we want to win championships that we grant citizenship uh of course in this case to Mr. boat boat, right? And uh in fact uh in the hearings uh we made sure uh through our questions, our uh searching questions to determine his his willingness, his uh um to embrace Filipino culture uh uh his uh willingness to settle down in the Philippines was likewise raised. Uh, Senator Jingo Estrada also asked if he he was uh did he associate with Filipino citizens or Phil AMS in in the uh West Coast where he resided uh and all that, Mr. President. So, we're it's not merely or simply just because uh this individual applying for citizenship will bring us medals. That is the uh consideration. In fact, Mr. President, with uh Mr. Ramos uh who is the wrestler uh uh we saw Mr. president uh that he had been offered uh by no less than the United States Olympic uh uh organization with respect to wrestling uh for him to uh to uh uh play uh and uh uh for the US team but he declined precisely because he said he wants to represent the Philippines and that's where and this was on record Mr. President And so yes, I agree with him. I with a good spo with a good uh gentleman, a good senator from Tarlockion team player, naturalized player. Mr. President, I I I fully agree with his his definition and his distinction between uh allegiance and citizenship.

[03:48:31]Mr. President.

[03:48:32]>> Thank you uh Madame President. Thank you for that answer. I am belaboring this Mr. Madame President because basketball players when I was still in the House of Representatives. We were diligently examining the the applicant how they carried their themselves, how they embraced Filipino culture extraordinarily.

[03:49:12]There were special there were special circumstances. Madame President, in most cases simplistic um um Mexican and Africaname instances.

[03:50:23]forman once citizenship bills.

[03:50:54]Thank you to the gentleman from Tarlak and Pampanga for the interpolation.

[03:50:59]Salamat. Thank you madame president.

[03:51:01]There being no other reservation for interpolation. May I respectfully move to close the period of interpolation and debate. So move madam president.

[03:51:09]>> Is there any objection? Hearing none.

[03:51:11]The consideration of the measure is closed and uh we terminate the period of interpolation.

[03:51:20]>> Thank you, Madame President. At this juncture, may I move that we open the period of individual amendments of House Bill number 6639 and recognize the sponsor, Senator Kiko Pangilan. So move, Madame President, >> please proceed.

[03:51:32]>> Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, majority lead, acting acting majority leader. Mr. President, we do not have uh committee amendments. There are no individual amendments and therefore uh with the permission of our colleagues uh we can move toward to uh terminate the period of uh amendments.

[03:51:47]>> We join the distinguished sponsor for moving the termination of the period of individual and committee amendments. So move madame >> any objection hearing none. The bill has no amendments whatsoever and therefore it is consideration of the measure is closed and passed on second reading.

[03:52:09]>> Madam President, I'm about to move uh >> Okay.

[03:52:13]You've not moved for a second reading yet.

[03:52:15]>> About about to >> closure of the period of amendments.

[03:52:19]>> Thank you. Thank you, Madame President.

[03:52:20]Uh may I before uh we move for just a quick question.

[03:52:27]>> The Senate President would like to >> we recognize Senate President Kayatano.

[03:52:30]>> Senator Pang Linan the congratulations for all you've done in the committee uh on justice. So if he becomes a citizen he can already vote.

[03:52:42]>> Yeah.

[03:52:43]As long as he registers. Yes, Mr. President.

[03:52:45]>> So he will have voting rights.

[03:52:47]>> That is correct. Mr. will have vote right will have voting rights.

[03:52:51]>> Voting rights. Okay. Voting rights.

[03:52:56]>> He will have the right to vote.

[03:53:00]>> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.

[03:53:01]>> Yeah. And we are all hoping that he votes right.

[03:53:04]>> Mr. Madame President. Uh I move that we approve on second reading House Bill number 6639. So move. Madame President.

[03:53:13]>> Any objection? Hearing none. The said measure is now approved on second reading. Congratulations, Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

[03:53:21]>> And Madame President, some of our uh colleagues wanted to be uh uh co co-author of this uh measure. Uh let let me put that.

[03:53:31]>> Would you like to read them into the record, please?

[03:53:33]>> Yes. Uh Madame President, >> who are these uh co-authors?

[03:53:38]>> Everyone present.

[03:53:39]>> Everyone present to be made co-authors of the said measure.

[03:53:43]>> Thank you.

[03:53:45]>> Co-sponsor, Madame President. co-sponsor or co-author or >> co-sponsor because uh >> to co-sponsor the measure. Yes. Let it be um let everyone present here today.

[03:53:56]>> Yes.

[03:53:56]>> Be made co-sponsors of the said measure.

[03:54:00]>> Thank you, Madame President. Madame President, I move that we suspend consideration of House Bill number 6639.

[03:54:05]So move, Madame President.

[03:54:07]>> No objection. Hearing none.

[03:54:08]Consideration of the measure is hereby suspended.

[03:54:11]>> Thank you. For minute suspension, Madame President.

[03:54:14]>> Session suspended.

[03:54:15]>> Thanks.

[03:54:54]privilege speech.

[03:56:21]Okay. I don't think she understands.

[03:56:45]Thank you.

[03:57:22]Jesus is happy.

[04:00:44]session is resumed.

[04:00:48]>> Madame President, uh with the permission of the body, last May 11, 2026, the gentle >> Yes, sir. Yes.

[04:01:01]>> Session.

[04:01:02]>> Yes. May not >> I resumed session.

[04:01:07]>> Uh Madame President, last May 11, 2026, the distinguished gentleman from Tarlac, Pampanga, and Risal, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, proposed an amendment to the rules of the Senate, particularly rule 14, section 41. Pursuant to rule uh section 136 of our rules of the Senate, a motion to amend the rules must be presented at least one day before its consideration. Hence, Madame President in compliance with our rules. Uh the gentleman from uh Tarlac Pampanga and Risal Senator Marleta uh is seeking the floor. Uh Madame President, I move that he be recognized to uh explain his uh proposed uh motion.

[04:01:50]Madame President, >> we recognize Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

[04:01:57]>> Thank you, Madame President.

[04:01:59]Madame President, I would just like to reiterate for the record the proposal to amend rule 14 section 41 Senate session. The proposal, Madame President, is by way of an additional paragraph, section 41 C. after section 41B of rule 14 of the Senate rules which will state as follows. Section 41C allow a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference, video conference or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate information and communication technology. I so moved Madame President We take note of the motion of Senator Rodante Marcoa. I recognize Senator Ping.

[04:03:01]>> Yes. Thank you, Madame President. Uh, this is a parliamentary inquiry. What is the status of the motion introduced by the honorable Marcoleta last May 11?

[04:03:15]Has it been referred to the committee on rules?

[04:03:20]>> I am told that it's been referred to the committee on rules, majority leader.

[04:03:23]Okay.

[04:03:23]>> Yes, it has been referred to the committee and rules and uh that's why in this uh particular uh um deliberation, the committee on rules is uh giving it back to the floor for plenary action.

[04:03:36]Madame President, >> thank you Mr. President. Uh has the committee on rules been uh been constituted?

[04:03:46]I believe that uh Senator Joel Villanovva is the acting majority leader and would be the best position to answer the question. Madam President, >> in the meantime, I recognize Senate President Cayatano.

[04:03:56]>> Madam Chair, with the permission of Senator Villanovva, so the committee on rules is not reporting out the >> No, my my question, Mr. President, I'm sorry, Madame President, >> uh with your permission. My question is has the committee on rules been constituted?

[04:04:14]>> Yes. So madame president the answer there is the same answer to the question of uh senator pangalinan and senator uh former senate president sto that in accordance with section 19 uh this the same uh they continue to function. Having said that, I was explaining that the motion of Senator Villinva was not for the committee on rules to report out what was referred to them, but to return to the plenary because if you look at section 136 uh of our rules, the rules may be amended by means of a motion which should be presented at least one day before its consideration and a vote of majority senators present shall be required for its approval. So you do not need the endorsement nor the forwarding of the committee of rules for the amendment of the committee on uh for the amendments of the rules. So the only requirement is that uh it is put on the floor uh at least one day before or the proposal is made and that a majority of the senators present uh will will vote for its approval. So I just wanted to clarify that uh just so that we don't have any miscommunication that uh whether or not the rules committee met, who are the members etc. because right now that's irrelevant because we have given back to the plenary the proposal.

[04:05:47]Yeah.

[04:05:48]>> Oh very clear. Thank you Senate President.

[04:05:49]>> Madam President, >> Senator Luxon's recommend.

[04:05:52]>> Does it mean that we are now disregarding the committees of the Senate? So the uh the committee chairman or the chairman of any committee including the rules committee may just report out any uh any motion or any resolution referred to it uh in plenary and then just you know it is within his power to just report it out by himself without any deliberation in the committee without any committee report. Is that the new rule now Mr. President Madam President >> there's there's no new rule. I read the rule.

[04:06:30]>> Senator Laxon is referring to resolutions or communications or anything referred to the committee on uh rules. We're talking about a motion to amend the rules. We had the option of taking it up but since uh everyone asked for one more day it was given to the committee on rules. the committee and rules as an option to take it up but the acting uh uh majority leader or acting chairman of the committee gave it back to plenary and the plenary is more um how do I put it uh >> supreme >> supreme thank you senator lon over the committee so we didn't disregard the committee it is our choice from the start whether we want to give it to the committee or not so when we give it so for example Um I have a motion now to to extend the session to June 12 instead of June uh five.

[04:07:32]That could be given to the committee on rules or upon coordination with the house. the plenary can decide it uh directly or we can give it to the committee and rules and after he talks to the house of representatives. He can even report it out or he can easily uh legally morally just say that uh I am tossing it back to the plenary which is what's happening today.

[04:07:56]>> Thank you madam president. uh that is assuming that there there was no referral but in this case and I'd like to to invite the attention of the body to journal number 62 dated May 11, 2026 and if I may uh read the the the uh particular portion of this journal proposed at 6:25 p.m. The session was resumed.

[04:08:24]Proposed amendment to the rules of the Senate. Senator Marcoa proposed an amendment to rule 14, Senate sessions of the rules by inserting a new paragraph C under rule 41 which reads A or C. allow a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference, video conference or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate information and communications technology.

[04:08:56]Now, here's the portion. Mr. President or Madame President while expressing no objection to the proposal Senate President Cayatano A suggested giving the committee on rules time to discuss the matter. Now my question is was there any discussion by the committee on rules? Apparently there was none because it's now being reported out by the acting majority leader without consultation with any of the members.

[04:09:24]And by the way, Mr. Madame President, committee on rules, >> I believe that it was mentioned and I will reiterate from my understanding that there was no committee on rules meeting because that that motion is reverted back to plenary madam.

[04:09:42]We are not uh ignoring the fact that of course committees must hold meetings but this particular motion is being referred back to plenary. And may we just put on record, it says in rule or section 136, the rules may also be amended by means of a motion which should be presented at least one day and we're complying with that before its consideration and the vote of the majority of the senators present in the session shall be required for its approval. I believe that is what the Senate President had. Evidently, Madame President, action was taken and the action was to refer it to the committee on rules since the position of majority floor leader was uh uh vacated.

[04:10:29]So, how can the committee properly function in the absence of a committee uh >> yeah of the committee members president had had stated >> let me finish there is rule of a continuing operations of the committee There were vacated madame president members and committee on rules. So we cannot invoke continunity because we vacated vacated all committees all positions including the members. And may I invite you to uh section 24 of our rules. Madame President, the committees shall hold meetings to discuss, decide and submit a report on all matters transmitted to them. This was transmitted to the committee on rules. So the committee shall hold including the committee on rules shall hold meetings to discuss, decide and submit a report. There's no report Mr. President or Madame President.

[04:11:25]>> Madame President, >> so we're violating our own rules.

[04:11:29]>> We recognize Senate President.

[04:11:30]>> Mr. President, the chair already made a ruling and it's not appropriate to argue with the chair because as explained to Senator Lakon, the committee did not report it out. He read the journal of May 11, but he did not read the motion of Senator Joel today.

[04:11:52]His motion today was pursuant to rule 136 of the rules, a motion to amend the rules. Meaning, if Joel was no longer the majority leader, if I was the majority leader now or even an ordinary member, that motion was carried. No one objected that we take it uh up because madame chair we're bringing it back to plenary. So natural po discussion s committee on rules committee on rules we did that on May 11 so that everyone will have an opportunity to study the rule. It's a very simple amendment. So we should go to the discussion of the amendment if anyone is objecting to the amendment.

[04:12:36]But definitely the the right to propose an amendment is a right guaranteed by our rules. Senator Marcoleta has an amendment. We should go to discussing the merits or the merits of having that rule. You you already ruled that it is proper for the plenary to take it up. So may I request or move that we if there are any objection we discuss their objection.

[04:13:00]>> I'm objecting that that's the effect of my manifestation. Madame President, I'm objecting because I'm invoking section 24 of our rules and as I uh read into the records the journal of May 11, 2026 refer to committee on rules and there was no discussion. Action was taken actually by uh by the uh by this body.

[04:13:24]>> Then madame chair if there's an objection may I move that we divide the house >> objection >> on that on that issue not on the issue of whether or not the rule is good that your issue is whether or not it's proper to take it up on the floor. Uh the the position of the majority is that there's no rule being violated.

[04:13:47]So we will vote the uh presiding officer has already ruled but the gentleman continues to object. So we have to vote on it. Mr. >> President, >> we're not voting on the amendment yet.

[04:13:59]We're voting on whether the amendment is proper or not. Yes. Interjection. Uh Madame President.

[04:14:05]>> Yes. Minority Leader Senator Sto.

[04:14:08]>> The we will have to support that uh that um resolution or or thinking of uh Senator Lakon which is we did not constitute the committee on rules. So what are we discussing right now? I I I suggest that we we constitute the committee on rules and discuss it there.

[04:14:32]How do I know this?

[04:14:42]Point of order. Madame Chairman, where in the rules does it say that an amendment has to pass the committee on rules?

[04:14:50]>> Section 24. Madame President, >> ano sabi sa section 24. The committee shall hold meetings to discuss, decide, and submit a report >> on all matters transmitted to them.

[04:15:02]>> Madame Chairman, that's not the rule.

[04:15:04]The rule is 136.

[04:15:06]>> 136. Can you please for the third time, may we request the Senate President to read into the record?

[04:15:11]>> The rules may be amended by means of a motion, which would be presented at least one day before its consideration, and the vote of the majority of the senators present in the session hall shall be required for its approval. So I respect their uh objection. But how do we determine objections in this Senate?

[04:15:32]We vote. Mr. President, >> so if there is an objection uh they have uh already explained their position. We have explained our position. I move that we divide the house. Madame Chair, >> may May I, Mr. President uh we we are several members of the minority here and only Senator uh Lakon has spoken. Why are we railroading this process? Mr. President, I have a number of issues that I'd like to raise regarding this motion. Mr. President, they are citing section 136 assuming for the sake of argument that uh their position is correct. The second paragraph, Mr. President says the rules may also be amended by means of a motion which should be presented at least one day before its consideration.

[04:16:21]We submit, Mr. President, that the earlier motion that was uh entered or was uh uh was referred to the committee on rules. This is a new motion, Mr. President.

[04:16:34]>> And therefore, we have to take consideration of the one-day requirement before we can act on it, Mr. President.

[04:16:40]And that should be if not tomorrow because we don't have any session tomorrow that should be on Monday. Mr. President, >> again let me let me let me reiterate the rules may also be amended by means of a motion which should be presented at least one day before its consideration.

[04:16:58]We submit that the motion that was uh uh mentioned uh last May 11 was referred yes >> to the committee on rules. Yeah, >> this is a new motion, Mr. President, that is being presented on the floor which requires that it be presented one day before it is considered and therefore we have to consider this motion on Monday. Mr. As explained by the acting majority leader, the motion of Senator Marcoa has been brought to the plenary and >> both the majority and the minority had mentioned rule section 136 and it says that the vote of the majority of the senators present in session shall be required for the Madam President.

[04:17:46]>> I believe that this rule has been mentioned more than five times. Madame President, >> uh I believe also that the interpretation of the rule uh is different. So I take note of the manifestation of Senator Tang Linan.

[04:18:00]>> Mr. President, if if I if I may just continue, Mr. President, >> all in previous >> uh Senator Lon actually has the floor with the permission of Senator L.

[04:18:11]>> Yeah, Senator Laxon has the floor. May we continue with the uh manifestation of Senator Lakon and then he after him he will yield to Senator um Tang Linan.

[04:18:22]>> Madame President, the invocation of the Senate President uh of rule 136 is premised on the assumption that there was no action taken but we took action. We referred it to the committee on rules. So section 24 now applies. Madame President, we're going to just drum down our throat something that uh numbers can be made.

[04:18:47]Madam Chair, Mr. President.

[04:18:49]>> Yes, Senate President. Madam >> Chair, first of all, we're just repeating the arguments. I respect his argument, but I disagree with it.

[04:18:57]Secondly, they've used already three words. Ram down their throat, railroaded, binabaso.

[04:19:06]In this democratic institution, we when we disagree, we vote.

[04:19:14]When we have rules, we follow the rules.

[04:19:17]>> The particular rule in amending the rules is 136. We're following that. So why are we using unparliamentary language to express or try to provoke the kind of argument we don't want between the majority and minority. You have your opinion. We respect that. We have our opinion. So how do we resolve that? By voting. Now if you think we violated the rule, then go to court. But we do not think that we violated the rule. It is very clear. So my point of order, Madame Chair, they're out of order by insisting that uh there's another rule except for 136. So I move that we vote on it. Madame Pre, we divide the house.

[04:20:04]>> Objection.

[04:20:06]>> Objection.

[04:20:06]>> There's an objection then we vote. So may we proceed with the vote, Madame President? Mr. President, I was earlier uh it was the manifestation of the presiding officer uh the madame chairperson that after senator Lakon I be allowed to speak. Mr. President, are we now curtailing my right to speak? Mr. President, >> Madame Chair, >> we are not able to ask questions as to why we are amending the rules. We are not able to ask questions as to who they wish. Madam >> Chair, may I who will benefit from the amendment to the rules? Is this rule, Mr. President? Is this rule, Mr. President?

[04:20:42]uh for Senator Bau who is not here. We would like to raise these valid questions Mr. President before we go into a vote. Madam Chair, yes, >> we should not be >> How can the presiding officer recognize Senator Pangilinan? Uh uh please know that I would never curtail your right to speak just as in 2004 I believe you were seated and I was a vice presidential candidate of FPJ then and my microphone was closed and my right to speak was closed was not given. I remember that time now and the word noted was said to me that will not happen now.

[04:21:28]I will not do that to you and I'm not curtailing your right to speak Senator Pangalinan except that you were speaking at the same time and I was about to recognize you because Senator Lakon had the floor.

[04:21:42]Thank you, Madame President, for >> So, I just wanted to be clear on record because I >> recognize you're being emotional, but it will go on Senate record that the presiding officer was curtailing your right to speak. I would never do that and I would not do what I experienced in 2004 in the House of Representatives in the canvasing of the votes. Then, >> Mr. President, thank you, >> Madame President. Uh, with with due respect, Mr. President, I was not referring to the presiding officer.

[04:22:12]>> Yeah, I'm yielding the floor to Senator Pangalina.

[04:22:15]>> Yes. Uh thank you, Senator Lakon. We recognize Senator Francis Pangalina.

[04:22:19]>> Yes, Mr. President. Uh and I I allow me to clarify, Mr. Pres. Madame President, uh I was not referring to the presiding officer in terms of the curtailing of my uh of my uh uh right to speak and to raise questions, Mr. president because it was the Senate President who was uh uh moving to uh uh divide the house Mr. President without sufficient debates.

[04:22:44]Mr. President, this is the first time I'm going to experience this in a long time wherein debates are now being curtailed because there is a motion to divide curtailed. We would like to hear your objection to the motion. Thank you, >> Mr. President. Uh there are a lot of questions that have to be raised as to why this this uh uh amendment to the rules is being undertaken at this time. President provides Mr. President that when we amend our rules, we do so by way of resolution.

[04:23:18]We do not have that resolution now. In fact, Mr. President, the total 48 amendments of our rules all went through resolutions. This is the first time after 48 amendments, Mr. President, that we do not have a resolution so that we can >> point of order, Madame Chair, >> and amend the rules properly, Mr. President.

[04:23:38]>> Point of order.

[04:23:41]I point of order takes Senate President Point of President.

[04:23:45]>> First of all, I I hope we learned our lesson. Senator Pangilinan already apologized to Senator Padilia. Then now you're shouting at us.

[04:23:55]No. Uh, no. The record will show you. You were shouting at Now, what's my point of order? We are not discussing the merits yet of the amendment. No one's curtailing your rights because floor and the arguments have already been uh laid out and Senator Pangilan and I were together in 2009 where we had debates here where Senator Enrile did not even allow amendments and then we voted. It depends on every issue. Madame Chair, there's no specific rule of the amount of time. I was asking the gentleman about certain issues in one resolution. He refused now for further interpolation and said it's time to vote. They were the majority. So, Madame Chair, we're here. We're willing.

[04:25:05]Senator Marlet is ready to take questions whether or not we can take uh whether or not the the proposal to amend the rules is in order specific amendments benefit benefit etc. We support the right of senator pangil to ask question.

[04:25:30]So uh again may I raise the previous question madame chair the the point of order the parliamentary reason go ahead be given the right >> madam president I am the muban senator marleta and then we hear senator madam president the senate president invoke section 136 paragraph 2 President section 136 paragraph 2 is a special provision in precisely amending our rules in section 24. This is a general rule.

[04:26:15]It proposes it presupposes that it will take up all the bills referred to that committee. General function 136 second paragraph is a special provision. principle special provision takes precedence over a general provision.

[04:26:41]It will not even take one day because this is not a new motion.

[04:26:48]It was already moved last May May 11. So that is even more than one day. So who is talking about one day here?

[04:27:00]Unless unless we respect section 136, it talks about the rules may also be amended.

[04:27:10]So this takes precedence over section 24.

[04:27:17]Madame President, um, thank you, Senator Mua. We recognize Senator Salat, Madame President.

[04:27:25]Substantive interpolation.

[04:27:27]motion text referator Marlet Committee on Rules.

[04:28:06]Senator Marleta Committee on Rulescitute.

[04:28:21]Committee on Rules Minority Contingent. Committee on Rules.

[04:28:26]So bodyenator section 136.

[04:28:58]Senator Madame President, Madame President, Madame President, without giving meaning to anything May Point of order section session is resumed.

[04:32:53]>> Madame Chair, yes, Senator Kayatano, >> I'm listening to the two senators and as I mentioned, Kina Brasuan, etc. And I see the point of Senator Risa, but I'm also listening to Senator Marleta.

[04:33:10]It's a liro love language, but I don't think they're meant to be any offense.

[04:33:17]Uh, having said that, we're only discussing whether we will take up the amendment or not. And we have exhausted already all the arguments. Uh, this is a simple motion. So, I move that we divide the house. May I retate my motion? Then we can go into the merits and they can try to convince us whether or not we agree. No.

[04:33:43]So, so the motion is to to take up the amendment to our rules as proposed by Senator Marleta. The objection is that it is not in order uh because we did not follow our own rules.

[04:34:00]>> Madam Chair, Madame President, >> uh before that, >> Madam President, >> yes, we recognize Senator Orwin Tulfo.

[04:34:07]Madame President, my question is why is the majority in such a hurry to tackle this motion?

[04:34:18]This allowing a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference. Whereas in rule 14 section 41 under B, it says convenient hold the session through teleconference, video conference or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means using appropriate informations and communications technology system due to force majour madame president or the occurrence of a national emergency.

[04:34:50]I guess madame president this justifiable reason what is that? Does that fall under force majour or does it fall under national emergency? Madame president, >> my question is why are we in so hurry?

[04:35:05]Why are they the majority in a hurry to tackle this motion and divide the house?

[04:35:12]Madame President, >> I I need I we we need we need answers in the minority. Madam Chair, >> or is it because, Madame Chair, they are 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 the section 41 C announcement warrant president that is my question madam chair the gentleman is out of order because his question bak can be discussed in the actual uh motion uh can be discussed after the motion whether we should take it up. We take offense that it's just like us saying are you afraid if we have the hearing on the blue ribbon on flood control you you do not make that kind of statements here in the Senate because you assume good faith from everyone that rule May 11.

[04:36:30]So madame chair I move that we divide the house >> and the voting will be done via >> madam president >> minority leader >> um I move to adjourn or a colum colum call >> higher presidents madam president >> so I only see the minority leader representing the minority. The others had left >> on Madame Chair, we will not object, but for the record, >> yes, >> they scampered out and left the minority leader instead of discussing the rule.

[04:37:16]We are not even discussing the rule yet.

[04:37:20]and then uh ganuna allegation nil and no one from the minority stood up to say that out of order see senator Irwin Tulfo so we will not adj ob object madam chair in fact uh we move that we adjourn till 5:00 p.m.

[04:37:40]President Monday before that madame president motion to adjourn is not debatable we're not debating president we're not debating then we will indeed adjourn uh parliamentary inquiry yes madam poa corum >> we had a corum yes >> yes madam president.

[04:38:16]It doesn't matter if they walk out. Yes, sir.

[04:38:18]>> I think we we still have the quorum.

[04:38:20]>> Madame President, Madame President, once there is a call, you have to call the role.

[04:38:29]President, there was a motion to dispense whatever that is not a situation. Madame President and willingly walk out.

[04:38:44]Madame President, as reiterated by the Senate President and as conveyed by the minority leader, former Senate President, the rule states that the motion to adjurnn takes precedence. I'm not taking sides.

[04:38:57]>> 5:00 p.m. Monday.

[04:38:58]>> We will adjourn session >> until 5 >> until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, >> June 1st. 2026 >> June 2nd >> first June 1 >> June one ba >> the birthday of Senator Lakon. So we will have cooler heads. Okay.