Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson clarified on Saturday that while debating proposed amendments to Senate rules, including those allowing remote participation, is acceptable, attempting to rush the process is inappropriate.

Lacson’s statement was in response to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who questioned whether discussing changes to the chamber’s rules was improper during a social media livestream.

Lacson stressed that the issue lies not in debating motions or resolutions but in ignoring Senate rules and parliamentary procedures by cutting short debates and trying to quickly pass a motion that was already referred to the Committee on Rules.

He noted that Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s proposal to allow remote participation had been referred to the committee, which remains unconstituted after a leadership change on May 11.

Lacson explained that Section 24 of the Senate Rules mandates committees to discuss, decide, and submit reports on referred matters, and Section 136 does not apply because of the prior referral.The minority senators had staged a walkout on May 26 to block a vote on the motion, citing the majority’s attempt to fast-track the issue.Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III later called for a quorum and adjournment after the walkout.The session was adjourned until June 1.

Lacson emphasized that rule amendments must follow proper procedure and that the Senate’s committee system is crucial for Congress to function effectively.