The upper chamber of the Senate of the Philippines was placed under lockdown Wednesday evening amid heightened tension following the reported issuance of an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said the situation inside the chamber escalated after several senators allegedly received security tips warning them to leave the premises.
“Four senators got tips 30 minutes ago while we were talking na umalis na dito kasi may mangyayari,” Cayetano said in a video message filmed in a dimly lit room, with Senator Pia Cayetano seen behind him.
Cayetano said emotions were running high as senators were in the middle of meetings, including discussions on the expected transmission of impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Bakit kami paaalisin, eh we’re waiting for the articles of impeachment and we’re having a meeting?” he said.
He then described the situation as alarming, saying: “Kung sino ang nakikinig from the government, this is the Senate of the Philippines, we are allegedly under attack,” without providing further details on the nature of the threat.
