Malacañang on Tuesday warned individuals allegedly attempting to sow disorder in the Senate that they would face legal consequences if found liable.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the alleged security threats to the Senate have been referred for investigation.
Castro stressed that those responsible for activities that could threaten public order would not escape accountability under the law.
“Sa mga nagtatangka dahil nga may mga nauulinigan po na ganitong mga security threat — kayo man ay senador o ordinaryong taong nagsasagawa nito — hindi po kayo makakaligtas sa kamay ng batas (To those who are attempting because there have been reports of such security threats — whether you are a senator or an ordinary person doing this — you will not escape the hands of the law),” she said.
The security threats, which have been described as “clear, present and very serious,” have prompted serious considerations and possible adjustments to security protocols.
The Senate is coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation and other intelligence agencies to ensure the safety of all senators and around 2,000 employees.
The development comes amid a leadership impasse in the Senate involving Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian.
Cayetano, who has continued to assert his claim to the Senate presidency, earlier said there are “two Senates” – “the Senate of the Philippines and the Senate of Malacañang.”
Asked whether the Palace considers Cayetano an obstructionist or a purveyor of fake news peddler, Castro echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call against the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“Ito po ang sabi ng Pangulo: Fake news is flying around. Those into it should cease and desist. Iyan po ang malinaw na sinabi ng Pangulo (That is what the President clearly said),” she said. (PNA)