Trillanes, Zubiri almost come to blows after tussle over immigration scandal
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — What began as a verbal tussle on the Senate floor Tuesday almost turned into a full-blown fistfight--while senators discussed a pending investigation into an extortion/bribery scandal, involving two former officials of the Bureau of Immigration.
Read: Immigration Deputy Commissioners Argosino, Robles resign
This happened after Senator Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV accused Senators Miguel Zubiri and Richard Gordon of attempting to whitewash the investigation.
Read: Duterte: 92 appointees fired because of irregularities
Trillanes had wanted the Senate Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Conduct to lead the investigation – a committee that he chairs. Senator Franklin Drilon had earlier filed a resolution, asking that the investigation be conducted by Trillanes' committee.
However, majority of senators, voting 14-7 on Monday, decided to reconsider Drilon's resolution. As a result, the resolution was referred to the Senate Committe on Rules headed by Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III.
Trillanes accused Gordon and Zubiri of wanting to lead the investigation for a possible whitewash.
Zubiri said he took offense over Trillanes' claim and explained, he merely wanted to discuss the rules when he proposed that the investigation be handed to the committee on justice headed by Gordon.
The Senate President suspended the session and the two Senators approached each other. Their colleagues, however, were quick to separate the two, and after a few minutes both Senators returned to the floor and shook hands.
During their heated exchange, Trillanes called Zubiri a "cheater," referring to controversial case during the 2007 elections, where Zubiri was accused of cheating.
In turn, Zubiri mentioned that Trillanes had been jailed for rebellion and treason – and should be thankful for getting a presidential pardon.
Zubiri then said Trillanes should say his accusations to his (Zubiri) face, instead of to the media.
He then appeared to challenge Trillanes to a fight, saying "I didn't become world champion in arnis (Filipino Martial Arts) for nothing."
The Senate President suspended the session and the two Senators approached each other. Their colleagues, however, were quick to separate the two, and after a few minutes both Senators returned to the floor and shook hands.
