Chaos at Senate as Cayetano, Padilla back Marines forcing entry despite Gatchalian order

MANILA, Philippines — Sens. Robin Padilla and Pia Cayetano forced the entry of 18 Marines into the Senate building, prompting a slight altercation on Thursday, June 4.

This was after Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian prohibited the entry of resource persons into the Senate building, as the Blue Ribbon Committee is set to convene on Monday, June 8.

In a News5 live video report, it was seen that the 18 former Marines, who testified as alleged bagmen of lawmakers, were blocked from entering the Senate building.

It was also seen that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla was blocking their entrance.

However, with the help of Cayetano and Padilla, the 18 Marines forced their way into the Senate and proceeded to the plenary hall.

On June 3, the new majority bloc led by Gatchalian elected Sen. Erwin Tulfo as the new chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

With his appointment, Tulfo said the panel will convene on Monday at 9 a.m. for senators to prepare.

However, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano insisted that his sister, Pia Cayetano, remain as the leader of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

Cayetano issued a memorandum to the Senate and its personnel pushing for the panel’s meeting on Thursday, June 4.