Philippines

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/17/padilla-drilon-senate-lack-of-decorum.html

Senator Robin Padilla defended himself and his colleagues after former Senate President Franklin Drilon criticized the "lack of decorum on the part of certain senators."

In an apparent response to Drilon, the neophyte lawmaker in a statement late Friday night said being "honorable-looking" is not the measure of a good senator.

"Ang nakikita niyo po ngayon sa Senado ay nagmumula sa mas batang henerasyon na hindi sinusukat ng pagiging honorable looking ang pag ganap sa kanilang trabaho. Nagkaroon lamang po kayo ng mga senador na galing sa masa," said Padilla, who secured the highest number of votes in last year's senatorial race.

"Masanay na po kayo sa bagong mukha ng Senado," he added.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Drilon spoke out against the "erosion of the prestige of the Senate," saying that for one, he noticed "very noisy" sessions when he would watch hearings online.

The veteran ex-lawmaker stressed the need for the Senate to maintain its integrity as an institution, lest it weaken its power to keep the executive in check.

But Padilla maintained that they are taking their jobs seriously.

"Ang pagbibigay ng mungkahi ng isang senador sa gitna ng sesyon o talakayan ay hindi kalapastanganan kundi parliamentaryong pamamaraan na pinapayagan ng rules of Senate,” he said.

The former action star also stood by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, whom Drilon advised to draw the line and "show displeasure with what is happening."

"Magaling at diretsong pinuno ang Ginoong Pangulo senador Migz Zubiri," Padilla said. "Hindi siya tradisyunal na pulitiko na nakaangat ang paa sa lupa kundi isang trabahador ng taong Bayan."

Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said senators will discuss concerns on the decorum of some colleagues.