Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa fired back at Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Monday, stressing that the upper chamber should not be likened to a noontime variety show.
The exchange began after reports surfaced that Sotto dismissed criticisms from the minority bloc as mere “gimmicks” following the controversial transfer of former Public Works official Brice Hernandez. Hernandez, who implicated Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva in alleged flood control anomalies, was moved from Senate custody in Pasay City to the PNP Custodial Center in Quezon City.
Dela Rosa voiced his frustration on the Senate floor, particularly at Sotto’s remark, “let them die of resentment.” He replied, “Mr. President, you can’t kill us with resentment — because we no longer harbor any. We’ve already accepted that we are the minority.” He went on to add, “Secondly, that’s merely a gimmick from the minority. Let’s remember — the Senate is not a noontime variety show filled with stunts and theatrics. We are here to do serious work.”
Sotto, a former host of Eat Bulaga, clarified that his remark was never aimed at fellow senators. “They completely misunderstood. I was addressing the trolls,” he said, while pointing out that he had no obligation to respond but felt compelled since the statements seemed to single him out.
On Hernandez’s custody transfer, Sotto explained that the House of Representatives had requested custody but he rejected it. Hernandez was later moved to Pasay City Jail before being returned to the Senate on Monday.
