Tensions escalated in the Senate on June 4, 2026, after Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla was accused of blocking the entry of 18 former Philippine Marines who were set to serve as resource persons in a hearing.
The ex-Marines were supposed to testify in a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on anomalous flood control projects, led by Senator Pia Cayetano. According to reports, Senator Robin Padilla and others had to push Remulla to allow the group and Cayetano's team into the plenary hall.
Remulla denied the allegation, claiming instead that he was pushed back while walking out of the building. The chaos stemmed from an ongoing leadership dispute in the Senate.
Earlier that day, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, serving as Acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore in place of Loren Legarda, asserted that Senator Erwin Tulfo, not Pia Cayetano, was the head of the committee. Gatchalian stated that no legitimate hearing was scheduled for that day, as Tulfo's hearing was set for June 8. He admitted to summoning Remulla for a "preemptive action" regarding security.
Gatchalian issued a memorandum ordering staff to work from home and evacuating Senate employees starting at 10 a.m. for their safety. Despite the obstacles, Senator Pia Cayetano proceeded with the hearing involving the 18 ex-Marines. Due to a lack of committee staff, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano administered the oath to the resource persons.
Senators Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Loren Legarda, who insisted she remains Senate Pro Tempore, attended the meeting. Senator Marcos noted a blackout of information, as the hearing was not broadcast on the Senate's official website. The Senate President also revealed that some media personnel were barred from entering the facility.
