“On May 12 a day before the incident, the new Senate leadership informed the body of the intention to have an “all Senators” caucus. On May 13, the day of the incident, at around 5:02 p.m., it was modified to a “Majority-Only” caucus. Naturally, members of the minority who were no longer part of those internal deliberations eventually went home.”
Ganito ipinaliwanag ni Senator Erwin Tulfo kung bakit wala ang minority Senators nang gabing nagkaroon ng gulo sa Senado, kasabay ng pagsagot sa mga intriga na sila umano ang responsable sa mga kaganapan dahil lamang wala na sila doon nang mga oras na iyon.
Aniya, “speculative, irresponsible and unsupported by evidence” ang mga intriga.
“Many versions of the armed confrontation are now circulating. Statements were made that the “Senate was under attack,” while the Executive denies any offensive operation. Some claim that the tension was triggered by the recent changes in Senate leadership. There are allegations involving the OSAA, the NBI, and even speculation that the shooting itself was a “smokescreen” to facilitate an escape or create confusion. And even more disturbing were allegations attempting to implicate the Minority just because “nakauwi na kami,” aniya.
Aniya, ang nangyari sa Senado ay isang kahihiyan at lubhang nakababahala, kahit saang panig ka man kakampi, ‘politically.’
Tulfo cited the need to recognize the larger damage caused by the incident saying millions of Filipinos and even the whole world, watched it unfold in disbelief.
“They saw the confusion inside one of the highest institutions of government. They saw conflicting authorities, conflicting narratives and an atmosphere that appeared closer to disorder than democratic governance. Nakakahiya po, sa totoo lang,” he said.
“But beyond the conflicting narratives, let us not forget the ordinary Senate employees and staff who were caught in the middle of the chaos. Mga rank-and-file, maintenance, security, clerks media, at iba pang empleyadong naipit lamang dahil ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin. Yet, they were the ones exposed to fear, confusion and danger inside an institution where they should have felt secure. Some were traumatized. Some feared for their safety. Hindi po sila scapegoats at lalong hindi collateral damage,” pagbibigay-diin ni Tulfo.
“Because the public witnessed it, Tulfo said the public deserves the truth and they have been waiting since Monday,” ani Tulfo.
Mahalaga aniyang masagot ang mga katanungan gaya ng kung nagkaroon ng pormal na coordination sa Senate leadership bago ang ‘operation’ at ano ang direktiba at kung nagkaroon ng ‘provocation’ mula sa kung saang panig.
” Specially, it is important to know what measures were taken to ensure the safety of the Senators, employess and the media before and after the incident. 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,” ani Tulfo sa isang manifestation.
Dagdag pa niya: “Alam ko po na may kaniya-kaniyang imbestigasyon na isinasagawa ang Senado at NBI. But there is merit in the public outcry for an impartial, independent, and facts-based investigation. Mahalagang maitaguyod ang isang proseso na patas, transparent, at may kredibilidad sa mata ng publiko. Walang undue influence. Walang haka-haka.”
“At the end of the day, no camp wins when public confidence in institutions is weakened. The Senate is not a venue for armed confrontation or competing displays of force or political theater. It is a constitutional institution governed by law, order and respect for due process. Hindi po drama, action o comedy ang hanap ng taumbayan. They are asking for truth, accountability and stability. And that is precisely what this institution owes them,” pagtatapos pa niya.
