Manila: Former Senate president Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III has expressed his dissatisfaction with the police and security personnel assigned outside the Senate complex after an incident where protesters allegedly surrounded and assaulted his vehicle as he was leaving the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto took to social media to voice his 'furious and disappointed' reaction, accusing authorities of failing to manage the protesters gathered outside the Senate. The protests are linked to tensions surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue involving Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Sotto alleged that the protesters repeatedly banged on his vehicle, threw bottles, and shouted insults while he was inside. He described the demonstrators as 'barbaric' and expressed his frustration over the absence of effective crowd control.
The senator highlighted that he was traveling alone without any bodyguards during the incident, raising questions about the security measures in place. He pointed out the significant police presence outside the Senate, questioning its effectiveness given the breach.
The protests have been fueled by the Senate leadership change, controversies related to the ICC involving Dela Rosa, and the anticipated impeachment proceedings against Duterte. Large groups from opposing political camps have been gathering outside the Senate complex in recent days, adding to the tensions.
