MANILA, Philippines — Senators sought an investigation into the shooting incident at the Senate on Wednesday which raised serious concerns regarding security and the integrity of the institution.
Sen. Bam Aquino filed Resolution 397 calling for a probe on the circumstances surrounding the incident, which involved the "discharge of firearms within Senate grounds amid the presence of armed law enforcement personnel."
The senator said that the Senate, as a "fundamental democratic institution, must preserve its integrity, orderly functioning, and constitutional independence at all times."
“It is imperative for the Senate to review and strengthen institutional safeguards to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents and ensure the continued protection of democratic institutions,” Aquino said.
Sen. Imee Marcos filed Resolution 396 seeking an inquiry on the reported "entry, presence, deployment, participation, or involvement of personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation and private individuals in the incidents that took place within the vicinity of the Senate premises on May 11 and May 13 including the discharge of firearms, security breaches, and any attempt to implement, facilitate, or enable an arrest or custodial transfer within the Senate premises."
"These incidents, if left unexplained and unaddressed, may set a dangerous precedent whereby armed or law enforcement personnel may enter or operate within legislative premises under unclear authority, thereby subduing legislative independence, obstructing official functions, and endangering the safety of all persons within the Senate," Marcos said.
Senators Migz Zubiri, Francis Pangilinan, and JV Ejercito also pressed for an investigation. "Violence must never enter the halls of the Senate," Zubiri said in a statement.
