By CESAR JOLITO III

A senator called for a full and independent investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at the Senate on Wednesday night, May 13, saying the violence stemmed from Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s refusal to face legal proceedings tied to a reported arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.

Speaking during a press conference in Bacolod City yesterday, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the controversy should not be politicized by dragging Senate employees and minority lawmakers into the issue, stating that many had already gone home after the session adjourned.

“Ito po ang katotohanan: Tapos na ang session, kaya umuwi na ang mga empleyado,” she said, adding that Senate workers were simply doing “an honest day’s work.”

The senator lamented that the Senate, which she described as a “hallowed space where laws are made and rights are defended,” was turned into a “shooting range,” calling the incident a “historic low” for the country.

She also urged Dela Rosa to cooperate with authorities and submit himself to the legal process to prevent further tension and violence inside and outside the Senate.

According to the lawmaker, no senator should act as though they own the institution, emphasizing that the Senate belongs to the Filipino people and that lawmakers are only its stewards.

The senator also said any investigation into the incident must be comprehensive and involve multiple agencies to determine accountability and establish the full sequence of events.

She noted that if it is established that Dela Rosa left the Senate premises yesterday, the scope of the investigation may expand further.

However, she said she was uncertain whether the senator had a hold departure order or if there was a set duration for any Senate protective custody arrangement.

Despite the controversy, Hontiveros said the Senate’s work must continue, urging lawmakers to “get our act together” amid the ongoing investigation./CJ, WDJ