Binay stated that her legal team is still studying their next steps once they have fully reviewed the transcript of the Senate Committee on Accounts hearing held on July 3, 2024.
The Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee deals with issues concerning the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity, and reputation of the Senate and its members.
According to Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who also heads the Ethics panel, they will address any issues brought before their committee.
He expressed regret over leaving the said hearing early, saying the escalating exchange between Binay and Cayetano could have been avoided if the hearing was halted. According to Tolentino, he could have requested to suspend the hearing earlier and would also request the removal of "unparliamentary remarks" from Senate records.
Senator Robinhood Padilla attempted to request a suspension of the hearing, but Cayetano refused, saying that their hearing was nearly over if not for Binay's disturbance.
After Binay emphasized that the new Senate building did not cost 23 billion, she stood up and walked out of the said hearing.
Binay said that after being called a "marites," a term used for gossipmongers in the Philippines, by Cayetano, she felt that he would not apologize to her.
"We don't expect him to behave as such considering that he is among the most senior senators--so, his behavior is very unbecoming of a senator. I accept that this is his nature, as long as your surname is Binay," the Senator stated.
Cayetano opened the Senate hearing regarding the construction of the new Senate building in Taguig after Senate President Chiz Escudero directed a reassessment of its soaring construction cost, alleged to be at 23 billion.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Emil Sadain, based on their records, the value of the new Senate building being constructed is at 21 billion.
Meanwhile, Cayetano said it reached 23 billion due to the purchase of land amounting to 1.6 billion.
(Photos by Jayson Pulga and Dexter Terante)
