"AD HOMINEM!" ERWIN TULFO CALLS OUT MARCOLETA DURING HEATED SENATE CLASHAD

A heated exchange erupted inside the Senate after Senator Rodante Marcoleta made remarks about “legal background” during deliberations on a proposal seeking to allow senators to participate virtually in sessions and hearings.

The tension began after Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned Marcoleta’s motion and raised concerns over the proposed electronic voting and online participation setup for lawmakers.

In response, Marcoleta said, “Ito po ang mahirap kasi kung wala po tayong legal background dito,” prompting immediate reactions from senators inside the chamber.

Senator Erwin Tulfo quickly defended Hontiveros and called out Marcoleta’s remark as “ad hominem,” further intensifying debates on the Senate floor.

Lawmakers then exchanged arguments over parliamentary rules, quorum requirements, and constitutional concerns tied to virtual participation in Senate proceedings.

The confrontation eventually led to a walkout by members of the minority bloc as tensions continued to escalate during the session.

Senate President Tito Sotto later called for a quorum check and moved to adjourn the session. When Marcoleta attempted to intervene, Sotto responded, “Akala ko ba magaling sa rules,” with Senator Loren Legarda siding with Sotto before the session was eventually adjourned.