Senator Tito Sotto confirmed that he has received information regarding an alleged threat to the Senate, describing the matter as “very serious” based on intelligence reports available to lawmakers.
The statement followed remarks by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, who earlier disclosed that some senators had received intelligence information from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) concerning a possible threat against the institution.
Sotto said discussions are now underway regarding the security measures that may be needed in response to the reported threat. He added that authorities are evaluating appropriate actions to ensure the safety of senators, employees and other personnel working within the Senate.
When asked about the severity of the threat, Sotto said intelligence information indicated that it should be treated seriously. He noted that any decision on whether to place the Senate under lockdown would depend on the security measures deemed necessary by authorities.
Meanwhile, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano issued a statement calling for transparency regarding the reported threat.
Cayetano said that if the threat is credible, all senators, members of the Senate Secretariat and personnel working in the institution should be informed and protected. He questioned why information was reportedly shared with some senators and not others.
The Senate leader also raised concerns about the source of the intelligence information, noting that it came from the NBI rather than the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms. He called for verification of the reported threat by appropriate security and intelligence agencies.
Cayetano further emphasized that security concerns should not disrupt the work of the Senate. He said any legitimate threat should be addressed through proper security measures while allowing the institution to continue performing its constitutional duties.
Discussions on the reported threat and corresponding security preparations remain ongoing.
