Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a resolution praising members of the media for their courage and professionalism in light of the recent shooting incident that occurred at the Senate building in Pasay City.
Hontiveros referred to the gunfire that broke out along the second-floor corridor of the Senate building on May 13, 2026 after a three-day standoff between law enforcement officials and the Senate leadership concerning the custody of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa had taken refuge within the Senate’s premises after the International Criminal Court (ICC) unsealed an arrest warrant for him.
Hontiveros said the gunfire lasted approximately three minutes, causing widespread panic among Senate staff and media members covering the standoff.
She added that despite being trapped in a building with a potential active shooter, the Senate Media members exhibited remarkable personal bravery, prioritizing the public’s right to information over their own immediate safety by continuing to cover the incident as it occurred.
“In an information landscape increasingly compromised by systemic online disinformation, covert influence operations, and coordinated inauthentic behavior, the impartial reporting of the Senate Media serves as an essential pillar of truth, protecting the integrity of our democracy during times of national crisis,” Hontiveros said.
Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed that his choice to join the Senate minority bloc was influenced by the increasing apprehension regarding the recent upheaval within the chamber, particularly the shooting incident inside the Senate building.
“In light of how the situation was managed, I was awakened. I was shocked for this institution. It led me to reflect deeply. My children asked me why such events are happening in the Senate. Therefore, I engaged in earnest prayer and sought clarity. I concluded that it is time for us to take a stand, to alter the circumstances in the Senate, and to restore the dignity of the Senate,” he stated.
Zubiri indicated that the pivotal moment for him was the shooting incident inside the Senate building on May 13, which he characterized as unprecedented in the history of the institution.
“For the first time ever, there was gunfire here and chaos ensued. This has never occurred in the history of this body. Thus, I made a decision. I made a decision independently, alongside my family, that changes are necessary,” he said.
