A heated exchange between Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Alan Peter Cayetano erupted on Tuesday over a resolution concerning 10 EMBO barangays of Taguig City, previously under Makati.
The debate, which nearly turned physical, revolved around the inclusion of the resolution in the Senate agenda. Zubiri raised concerns that the resolution was not on the day’s agenda, while Cayetano emphasized its urgency for the people of Taguig.
The argument escalated when Cayetano confronted Zubiri, expressing frustration at being yelled at and accusing Zubiri of prioritizing personal interests over the residents.
"Pag lugar mo ilang beses ka nakiusap sa akin e. Huwag mo akong sigawan," Cayetano said.
"You don’t care about the voters there. You are only looking after your own interest," he added.
As tensions rose, Senators Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter’s sister, and Joseph Victor Ejercito intervened to prevent a physical confrontation.
When the session resumed, Zubiri apologized, explaining that he was shocked by the sudden addition of the resolution and didn’t mean to raise his voice.
"Again, if I raised my voice, it’s because I was… it didn’t have to go that way and I apologize if I raised my voice. What I’m saying is that if it will help you, we can take it up tomorrow. My only concern is that I was shocked because I was at the top [and] suddenly there are concurrent resolutions about these barangays," he said.
"We don’t wanna be like other establishments na ano lang tayo, in the midnight hour we’re passing measures. No, we’re not like that," he added.
Cayetano stood firm, stressing the constitutional importance of the resolution and the urgency due to the possibility of upcoming bad weather disrupting Senate sessions.
"What if another storm comes and we adjourn tomorrow? Does that mean the residents of EMBO cannot run for congressman, no one can vote" he remarked.
Ultimately, after further discussions, the Senate adopted Cayetano’s measure. Both senators later acknowledged their misunderstandings and apologized for their behavior.
