House Deputy Speaker Bambi Emano of Misamis Oriental’s 2nd District defended the chamber’s leadership after a viral video showed the microphone being cut off and the session abruptly suspended during the privilege speech of Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste.
Emano explained in a media interview that strict parliamentary rules were being followed and that members cannot simply insert themselves into proceedings to push their own agenda.
He stressed that the incident should not be taken as a negative reflection on House leadership, since Leviste was later given the opportunity to present his points on behalf of his constituents in Batangas during the next session.
The controversy comes at a time when public scrutiny of the House is particularly intense, as lawmakers are set to deliberate on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte this coming Monday.
