Gatchalian warns vs wacky shots in ‘sacred’ session hall

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Thursday that individuals who take wacky photos inside the session hall could receive warnings, stressing that both the Senate and the hall are “sacred.”

“The session hall and the Senate are sacred because this is where we craft many important laws and discuss important issues, so we must respect this institution. It is not right to do something ridiculous inside our institution,” Gatchalian said in an interview at the Senate.

Atty. Jay Tolosa, a member of the prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, posted photos on social media showing members of the team striking wacky poses inside the session hall on the day they finished presenting their exhibits.

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Gatchalian said he would apply the same standard to social media influencer Patty Bau, who danced in the Senate halls with lawyer Salvador Panelo, a known Duterte ally, on the latter’s birthday on Sept. 15.

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“That’s not right. I’m now having the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms investigate the incident and review CCTV footage to make sure it was not photoshopped. If it’s true, we’ll issue a statement,” Gatchalian said.

The video has since been taken down.

Asked whether the individuals involved would receive letters, Gatchalian answered in the affirmative, saying they would be issued warnings. /das