MANILA, Philippines – The word war between Senators Jamby Madrigal and Pia Cayetano erupted anew at the Senate Wednesday night during deliberations on the Child Protection Act.
But the two female senators shook hands after Madrigal profusely apologized and appealed to Cayetano for help in passing the bill.
The verbal tussle started when Madrigal went to the podium, reported on the Child Protection Act and appealed to Cayetano to stop derailing the bill.
Apparently tipped off about Madrigal’s insinuations, Cayetano hurriedly returned to the session hall to counter Madrigal’s accusations. She clarified that she was not blocking the passage of the bill since she was scheduled to interpellate next week.
“I will be ready in a week, in less than a week. I will be ready on Monday and if there’s nothing to discuss, I will not discuss anything,” Cayetano said.
In a surprise move, Madrigal sought Cayetano’s understanding and asked that both of them stop their petty fights and work together for the welfare of Filipino children.
“I will not debate with the good senator from Pateros. It is the children of the Philippines who are waiting for this bill, and with all humility, I beg her to help pass this bill,” said Madrigal, on the brink of tears.
Madrigal has been pushing for the passage of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, which among others, aims to protect children against child prostitution and other sexual abuse.
Madrigal also put a clause in her pet bill on the penalty of reclusion temporal in its medium period to reclusion perpetua to be imposed on those who are engaged in or promote, facilitate or induce child prostitution.
The session was suspended a few minutes as other senators asked Madrigal and Cayetano to kiss and make up.
Amid the teasing of their colleagues, Madrigal and Cayetano meekly shook hands. When she returned to the podium, Madrigal expressed hope that she and Cayetano can also try to work together.
The two senators had been at odds over their resolutions and bills on environment concerns. Madrigal at one point chided Cayetano for her biking and running activities, saying that she (Cayetano) could make better use of her time if she spends the same energy on the passage of bills. – Christina Mendez