MANILA, Philippines — Minority senators on Monday criticized Sen. Imee Marcos over a video presentation alleging a plot to amend the Constitution, calling it propaganda and raising concerns over its impact on the Senate’s integrity.
The dispute began during Marcos’ privilege speech when she presented a video alleging efforts to block Vice President Sara Duterte from running for president and to extend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term through Charter change.
Former Majority Leader Migz Zubiri objected to the presentation while the video was being shown and moved to have it stricken from the Senate record.
Zubiri said the video was “opinionated” and described it as a propaganda tool. He cited Senate Rule 34, Sections 93 and 94, which prohibit unparliamentary conduct and offensive language against senators or public institutions.
He also questioned references in the video labeling the minority bloc as “Bulaga 11” and the majority bloc as the “Great 13.”
Several minority senators supported Zubiri’s motion.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo described the video as “hao siao,” or fake, and said legitimate exposés should rely on factual evidence and authentic footage.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who previously chaired the Senate constitutional amendments committee, denied claims that the panel conducted hearings on Charter change.
Pangilinan said the committee never held hearings on constitutional amendments and rejected allegations of efforts to extend terms or postpone elections.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo also criticized the presentation and said accusations against senators should be supported by evidence.
Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Sherwin Gatchalian, JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson, and Vicente Sotto III also denied allegations that they supported constitutional amendments.
Majority senators Rodante Marcoleta and Robin Padilla opposed the motion to strike the video from the record.
Marcoleta said he did not hear statements from Marcos that offended the minority senators and urged lawmakers not to be overly sensitive.
Later during the session, Marcos withdrew the video presentation after seeking assurance that no senator would support postponing the 2028 national elections.
Zubiri responded by affirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled and subsequently withdrew his motion to strike the video from the Senate record.
