A tense moment unfolded in the Philippine Senate when Senators Robin Padilla and Joel Villanueva were involved in a minor scuffle just before the oath-taking of senator-judges in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The incident caught on video shows Padilla being pulled away by Senator Bato dela Rosa, while Villanueva was restrained by Senator Nancy Binay.
The Scuffle and Tension in the Senate
The clash occurred after Villanueva strongly objected to Dela Rosa’s motion to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte. In the video, Padilla was heard saying, “Oh ano?” (So, what?), indicating a challenge to the situation, while Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stepped in, calling the incident a “misunderstanding lang” (It’s just a misunderstanding).
Dela Rosa’s Motion and the Impeachment Debate
Dela Rosa, a known ally of Duterte, argued that the impeachment case against Duterte should be dismissed due to “constitutional infirmities” and questions about the jurisdiction and authority of the 20th Congress. However, Senators Villanueva and Risa Hontiveros opposed the motion, insisting that the impeachment case should proceed.
Senators Take Oath as Senator-Judges
Despite the heated exchange, the Senate proceeded with the formalities of the impeachment process. Senators took their oath as senator-judges for the trial, donning the traditional crimson robes worn during impeachment trials. Notably, Padilla, along with Senators Cynthia Villar and Imee Marcos, chose not to wear their robes during the ceremony, which raised eyebrows.
Tensions Continue in the Senate
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the Senate, particularly regarding the impeachment of Vice President Duterte. As the process moves forward, all eyes are on the senator-judges to see how they will handle the impeachment trial amidst political divides.
References
- The STAR – Video coverage of the incident between Senators Padilla and Villanueva.
- GMA News – Additional insights into the impeachment proceedings and the role of Senator Dela Rosa.
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