Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday warned that individuals who participated in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing led by the bloc of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano may face legal consequences, saying the proceedings were not part of official Senate records and could be considered invalid.
Lacson said participants—including alleged former Marines and members of the minority bloc—may not be able to invoke parliamentary immunity, as the hearing was not properly recorded under official Senate proceedings.
“Yes, they can be charged, possibly for cyber libel and other crimes since it was a bogus hearing and no parliamentary immunity may be invoked, not even the senators who participated,” Lacson said in a press release.
The senator’s remarks come amid continued tension in the Senate following competing claims of leadership reorganization and the conduct of separate hearings by rival blocs.
Lacson noted that the participation of alleged former Marines, along with senators from the bloc associated with Cayetano, could expose them to legal liabilities, depending on how the proceedings are ultimately assessed.
He said possible charges may include cyber libel and other offenses, arguing that the absence of official Senate documentation weakens any claim of parliamentary protection.
The hearing in question was held despite disputes over Senate leadership and was presided over by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, with members of the Cayetano-aligned bloc insisting on continuing their investigation into alleged flood control irregularities.
The new majority bloc had earlier tagged the hearing as “bogus” and a “naked grab of power,” describing it as a “self-serving spectacle” following what they said was a valid Senate reorganization.
During the proceedings, an alleged former Marine identified as Belnard Tube claimed that money was delivered to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez—allegations they have denied.
Other claims made during the hearing also implicated senators Erwin Tulfo and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in alleged kickbacks from former lawmaker Zaldy Co, which the senators have likewise rejected and said they will contest legally.
Lacson also pointed to Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes individuals who falsely represent themselves as public officials without authority.
He added that legal remedies may depend on whether the Supreme Court upholds or overturns earlier rulings on Senate quorum and leadership legitimacy, citing the landmark Avelino vs. Cuenco case.
“Only if the SC will overturn the Avelino vs Cuenco ruling and invalidate the action taken by the 12 senators last Wednesday, those who were offended in yesterday’s event have a good case,” Lacson said.
The Senate dispute stems from competing blocs asserting control of leadership and committee functions, further intensifying political divisions within the chamber.
