2 lawmakers in near fistfight over Binay probe

MANILA, Philippines - Two lawmakers figured in a near fistfight during a heated argument over the conduct of the ongoing Senate investigation into various corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Reps. Lito Atienza of the Buhay party-list group and Roy Señeres of the OFW Family party-list group were seated together as guests at a news forum in Quezon City. They were asked whether they felt there was too much politicking in the Senate probe against the Vice President and his family.

Atienza, a member of the independent bloc, said the Senate investigation provided a convenient justification to attack Binay because he is a leading contender for the 2016 presidential elections.

“This Binay bashing especially is not helping the situation. No amount of bashing and scandalizing will bring him out of the race,” he said.

Señeres, however, spoke at length on why Binay has to properly answer the allegations against him and his family.

“Where can you find the second most powerful person in the country being bashed?” he said.

Atienza likened Señeres’ response to a campaign speech.

The former Manila mayor noted newspaper reports that Señeres was planning to run for president and could challenge Binay in the elections.

“He’s a declared presidential candidate already, that is why he is so interested in what is being debated now for or against Binay,” Atienza retorted.

The former ambassador chided Atienza for being sarcastic and vehemently denied that he was planning to run for president.

“You’re sarcastic and arrogant!” Señeres shouted.

The two lawmakers continued to shout at each other, prompting one journalist to go out and check on their respective bodyguards to see if they have drawn any weapons.

One of Señeres’ staff brought him a glass of water, apparently to calm him down.

The lawmakers shook hands but turned against each other again when they were asked to make their final statements.

Atienza quoted one of the eight beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”

“I am a child of God. I don’t know about this guy!” said Señeres, who then stood up and tapped Atienza’s back.

Atienza apparently felt he was slapped too hard and stood up and challenged his colleague to a fight. But Señeres was already on his way out the door.

The two lawmakers have reportedly been harboring grudges against each other for quite sometime now, over politics.