Mariin kong kinokondena ang insidente ng pamamaril kagabi sa loob ng bakuran ng Senado. 

Dapat agarang matukoy kung sino ang nag-utos at ang mga kasabwat upang mapanagot sila sa ilalim ng batas. Hindi katanggap tanggap na malagay sa panganib ang buhay ng mga Pilipino sa loob mismo ng Senado, lalo na’t may mga kapwa ko Senador at maging mga empleyado ng Senado at media sa loob ng gusali noong mangyari ang insidente.

Such an act of violence committed within the premises of one of the country’s highest democratic institutions is an utter disrespect and deliberate attack on the rule of law and our democracy.

I call on the public and all political forces to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid baseless speculations. The investigations being conducted by the DILG, PNP, and the Senate must proceed with urgency and be conducted in a credible and transparent manner.

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Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN