Senator Imee Marcos filed on Thursday a resolution seeking an inquiry into alleged security breaches and armed law enforcement operations within and around the Senate complex on May 11 and 13.
Senate Resolution No. 396 seeks an investigation in aid of legislation into the entry, presence, deployment, participation, or involvement of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel, other law enforcement agencies, security forces, and private individuals in incidents that allegedly involved firearm discharges, security breaches, and attempts to facilitate the arrest or custodial transfer of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa inside Senate premises.
“These incidents, if left unexplained and unaddressed, may set a dangerous precedent whereby armed or law-enforcement personnel may enter or operate within legislative premises under unclear authority, thereby subduing legislative independence, obstructing official functions, and endangering the safety of all persons within the Senate,” the resolution stated.
The measure raised concerns over separation of powers, legislative independence, due process, and the limits of executive authority within the premises of a co-equal branch of government.
She said the proposed inquiry aims to determine possible gaps in existing laws and protocols on the entry of armed personnel into legislative premises, coordination between the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and law enforcement agencies, and accountability for unauthorized armed entry into Congress.
The Senator also wrote President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., urging the temporary relief of top NBI officials, including its director Melvin Matibag, pending investigation into the incidents. (PNA)