MANILA, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo alleged that the Senate’s air-conditioning and Wi-Fi services were intentionally shut down during Monday’s session as tensions continued to rise between the majority and minority blocs.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, June 2, Tulfo said members of the minority bloc remained in the Senate despite the absence of lawmakers from the majority group, who once again failed to attend the session.
“What can we do? We just keep showing up,” Tulfo said.
The senator added that minority lawmakers planned to stay in the chamber until early evening while waiting for their colleagues to arrive.
“Hopefully, they won’t turn off the air-conditioning and Wi-Fi again,” he remarked.
Tulfo confirmed reports that both services were cut off during Monday’s proceedings, which were disrupted by the continued absence of the majority bloc.
“Yes, it was intentional. It was very hot inside; we even had to fan ourselves. If they do that again, that would be too much,” Tulfo said.
However, he did not identify who he believed was responsible for the alleged shutdown, only suggesting it was connected to the ongoing standoff in the Senate.
When asked about the actions of the majority bloc, Tulfo described their behavior as driven by frustration.
“Their blood pressure must be high. It’s become a matter of disrespect and stubbornness,” he said.
The controversy comes as a deepening impasse in the Senate continues to stall legislative proceedings, with minority senators intensifying calls for Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano to step down.
