MANILA. Senator Robin Padilla announced that he will file an ethics complaint against Senator Francis Pangilinan for shouting at him during discussions on the implementation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
In an interview after the plenary session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Padilla said he expects an apology from Pangilinan on the floor. "Hindi ko matatanggap 'yung natural ang sigawan. Not me. Sila kung gusto nila magsigawan sila. Hindi ako kasama dun," Padilla stated. He added, "Mag-apologize siya. Kailangan sa plenary niya gawin, kasi sa plenary niya ko sinigawan eh."
The heated exchange occurred during deliberations on Senate Resolution 44, which seeks to protect Filipinos from extrajudicial rendition. Pangilinan objected to Padilla's manifestation, insisting the matter be discussed at the committee level. As Padilla tried to respond, Pangilinan raised his voice, saying, "For the record, Mr. President, I still have the floor!"
Padilla took offense at the interruption. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda temporarily suspended the session to calm tensions, noting Pangilinan's "loud voice" might be due to his broadcasting background. During the recess, Pangilinan attempted a handshake, but Padilla declined.
Pangilinan dismissed the ethics complaint threat, arguing that raised voices are common in Senate debates. He posted on Facebook, "Yung pagtataas ng boses sa mainit na debate ay hindi man kagustuhan at hindi naiiwasan at malimit na nangyayari sa plenaryo. Kung laban sa ethics yun, marami na sanang mga senador ang sinampahan at pinarusahan. Zero cases." He also threatened a counter-complaint over Padilla's alleged threats and intimidation during recess.
The incident follows Monday's commotion when NBI personnel attempted to serve the ICC arrest warrant on Dela Rosa, leading to a staircase chase. Dela Rosa had returned after a six-month absence, coinciding with the ousting of Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
