A heated exchange between Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Juan Miguel Zubiri nearly escalated into a fistfight during a Senate session on Tuesday night, over a resolution concerning the legislative districts of Taguig and Pateros. The viral video of the near altercation quickly spread across social media, capturing the tense moment.
The issue stemmed from a resolution authored by Cayetano, which sought to expand the legislative districts of Taguig and Pateros by including 10 barangays from the Enlisted Men’s Barrio (EMBO) in Makati City. The proposal aimed to increase the number of councilors in these areas to ensure fair representation for their constituents.
During the session, Zubiri, who questioned why the measure was being discussed despite it not being on the daily agenda, expressed concerns over due process. He stressed the importance of transparency in legislative proceedings and was taken aback by the sudden appearance of resolutions related to specific barangays. “We should follow proper procedures,” Zubiri emphasized, warning that rushing the resolution might undermine public trust.
Cayetano, however, argued against further delaying the adoption of the measure. He expressed urgency, citing concerns about the potential impact of unforeseen events, such as storms or session adjournments, on the legislative process. “I don’t want to take the risk,” he stated, explaining that deferring the resolution could leave EMBO residents without a congressional representative in the 2025 elections. Cayetano passionately argued that the resolution was straightforward and essential for ensuring the voting rights of EMBO residents.
Both senators raised their voices during the discussion, prompting apologies from each. Zubiri acknowledged his tone and apologized for his conduct during the debate. Cayetano, in turn, apologized for his outburst but maintained the necessity of passing the resolution swiftly.
‘Makikipagpatayan pra sa prinsipyo at kapakanan ng bayan!’
— jcco (@Jjcruz2) September 25, 2024
This is what I want to see from 🇵🇭#SenatePH and #CongressPH.
Question is… Prinsipyo nga ba ang ipinagpuputok ng buchi nilang dalawa?🤔 pic.twitter.com/8eIDVX9GXY
After further deliberation, the Senate approved Cayetano’s proposal. In a separate message to reporters, Cayetano clarified that the resolution was not about creating a new district but ensuring that EMBO residents could participate in the upcoming local elections. He introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 to allow these residents to vote for their congressional representative, emphasizing the importance of equal representation and the right to suffrage.
The exchange between the two senators has since drawn widespread attention, with many calling for calm in legislative debates.