Several members of the Senate minority walked out of the plenary session in protest over what they described as an attempt to rush a significant amendment to Senate rules.
In a joint statement, the senators questioned why the proposed change was being expedited despite the presence of minority members who still wanted to speak and raise concerns on the Senate floor.
The group argued that the proposed amendment, which affects how senators may attend sessions, participate in proceedings and exercise their mandate through remote means, deserved broader discussion and public scrutiny.
The minority also raised questions regarding the timing of the proposal. They asked whether the move was intended to allow Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to vote and cited reports that some majority senators could face arrest.
According to the statement, the senators decided to leave the session because they believed the proceedings no longer reflected orderly deliberation.
The minority emphasized that while it supports healthy debate, all members of the chamber should be given an opportunity to be heard before major procedural changes are approved.
The group further argued that, at the time the motion was taken up, there was no duly constituted Committee on Rules and no elected Majority Leader who could formally guide an amendment through the standard legislative process.
They questioned how discussions and actions regarding the proposal could proceed without a functioning Committee on Rules.
The senators also challenged the argument that no Senate rule had been violated, saying that the issue involves the process for amending the rules themselves.
As a result, the minority questioned the quorum and called for adjournment.
In their statement, the senators maintained that if the proposal is defensible, it should undergo the proper legislative process and receive further discussion before any decision is made.
They added that they owe it to the public to fully perform their mandate and allow more time for deliberation.
