Manila: Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Friday maintained that a dispute over Senate procedures, rather than the minority bloc's walkout, was at the heart of the May 26 plenary standoff over a proposal allowing senators to participate remotely in sessions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson contested Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano's assertion that the minority had "scampered out" of the session hall. He argued that it was the majority bloc that deviated from established Senate rules by seeking an immediate vote on a motion filed by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta. Lacson expressed his position in a post on X, emphasizing that the minority had quietly exited while the majority attempted to bypass procedural norms.

The disagreement originated from Marcoleta's proposal, introduced on May 11, to amend Senate rules to permit online participation in Senate proceedings through teleconferencing or other electronic means. Lacson emphasized that the proposal should first undergo committee deliberations, as it had been referred to the Committee on Rules prior to the change in Senate leadership.

Lacson highlighted that Section 24 of the Senate Rules requires committees to discuss and submit reports on matters referred to them, underscoring the need for committee action before plenary consideration. He challenged the majority's reliance on Section 136, which allows for amendments to Senate rules through a motion filed at least a day before consideration, arguing that this provision was no longer applicable once the matter was referred to the committee on rules.

The procedural dispute escalated when the majority moved to "divide the house" and proceed to a vote, prompting members of the minority bloc to walk out. Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III remained on the floor and moved to adjourn the session. Lacson insisted that the minority was not against amending Senate rules but emphasized that any changes must follow the proper process.

Despite the walkout, Lacson affirmed that the minority would continue participating in debates, interpellations, and amendments if the proposal is revived. He also left open the possibility of another walkout or a Supreme Court challenge if procedural issues persist.