Cayetano grows emotional over Hontiveros’ remarks on Senate shooting

A woman with short brown hair and red glasses speaking at a podium, with a serious expression. She is addressing an audience, and a person with glasses can be seen in the background.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Pia Cayetano became visibly shaken during a plenary session Wednesday while condemning another lawmaker’s assessment of a recent shooting at the Senate building.

Cayetano sharply criticized a prior speech by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, arguing that the remarks minimized the severity of the May 13 gunfire incident.

While holding back tears, Cayetano recalled her intense terror during the shooting, noting that she felt compelled to bid farewell to her children as the event unfolded.

The senator also recounted the panic of a Senate employee who fled in search of safety when the gunshots echoed through the halls.

Expressing deep disappointment in her peers, Cayetano stated that it was deeply hurtful to hear the life-threatening ordeal dismissed as if it were insignificant.

Cayetano further lamented that long-time associates from her previous majority coalition failed to reach out or check on her well-being following the traumatic event.

Addressing the criticism, Hontiveros later clarified her statement by acknowledging the profound emotional distress and personal trauma experienced by her colleagues and Senate leadership.

Hontiveros explained that her reference to nothing happening was not directed at individual emotions, but was instead a critique of the chamber’s lack of institutional action and formal response to the security breach.