Tensions flared in the Senate plenary hall yesterday between Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri over the resolution to include 10 EMBO Barangays in the two legislative districts of Taguig and Pateros, and the addition of councilors in each area for representation.
Zubiri questioned why the resolution presented by Cayetano needed to be discussed, especially as it was not included in the daily agenda.
Zubiri stated he didn't want to deprive the people of their right to choose their representative, however, he stressed the proposal should go through the proper process.
Cayetano explained that he didn't want to delay the adoption of the proposal because the EMBO barangays need representation in the upcoming election.
"I don't want to take the risk, you saw the rains today. What if there's a storm tomorrow and we adjourn? So no one from Embo can run for Congressman? No one can vote? This is a five-page resolution, very easy reading," Cayetano stated.
Both apologized for raising their voices during their exchange of opinions on the resolution.
"We don't wanna be like other establishments that just pass measures in the midnight hour. No, we're not like that," Zubiri explained, emphasizing such resolutions should not be rushed.
Later in the session, after further discussion, the Senate took up Cayetano's proposal as a "sense of the Senate," expressing the Senate's acceptance of the significance of allowing EMBO barangay residents to vote for their Congressional Representative.
(Screenshots from the Senate)