Sen. Erwin Tulfo called Wednesday for an impartial and transparent investigation into the recent Senate incident.
Speaking during the plenary session, Tulfo described the events that unfolded last week inside the Senate as “deeply alarming,” regardless of political affiliation, and raised concerns over the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident.
“Millions of Filipinos, and even the whole world, watched this unfold in disbelief,” Tulfo said. “They saw conflicting authorities, conflicting narratives, and an atmosphere that appeared closer to disorder than democratic governance.” The senator noted that multiple accounts of the confrontation have emerged, including claims that the Senate was “under attack,” while the Executive branch reportedly denied conducting any offensive operation. Allegations have also circulated linking the incident to recent leadership changes in the Senate, as well as speculation involving the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the circumstances surrounding the gunfire.
Tulfo rejected insinuations that members of the Minority bloc were connected to the incident simply because some senators had already left the premises before the confrontation escalated.
He sait the newly installed Senate leadership informed senators on May 12 of plans to hold an all-senators caucus. However, on May 13 — the day of the incident — the meeting was changed into a “Majority-only” caucus at 5:02 p.m., prompting Minority members who were no longer included in the discussions to leave the building.
“To suggest that the mere fact that some senators had already gone home meant they were responsible for what later transpired is speculative, irresponsible, and unsupported by evidence,” he said.
Beyond the political controversy, Tulfo emphasized the plight of ordinary Senate employees, security personnel, maintenance workers, media members, and staff who were caught amid the confusion and danger.
“Some were traumatized. Some feared for their safety,” the senator said, stressing that employees should never be treated as “scapegoats” or “collateral damage.” Tulfo outlined several key questions he said the public deserves answers to, including the legal basis for authorities entering Senate grounds, whether proper coordination was made with Senate leadership, what triggered the exchange of gunfire, and what measures were implemented to protect senators, employees, and members of the media during the incident.
He sought clarification on what evidence has been gathered to determine what truly transpired.
“When law enforcement operations intersect with the authority, privileges, and internal security protocols of another branch of government, there must be clarity — not confusion, restraint — not escalation,” Tulfo said.
While acknowledging that both the Senate and the NBI have initiated separate investigations, Tulfo said there is growing public demand for an independent and fact-based inquiry to ensure credibility and transparency.
