Risa Hontiveros Questions Robin Padilla’s Definition of ‘Force Majeure’
RISA HONTIVEROS – A new political debate is making rounds online after Risa Hontiveros openly contradicted Robin Padilla’s viral statement.
Senator Risa Hontiveros strongly opposed the explanation given by Senator Robin Padilla regarding the possible use of “force majeure” as a reason to allow a senator’s “remote participation” during Senate plenary sessions.
In an interview on “Unang Balita,” Hontiveros clarified that the Senate Rules are very clear when it comes to allowing videoconferencing during official sessions. According to her, remote participation is only permitted during force majeure situations or national emergencies, similar to what happened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Naku naman, ano ba naman ‘yan? With all due respect, hindi po ‘yan mga force majeure. Yung gera sa Middle East, ‘yan po ay nangyayari sa mga mamamayan sa ibang rehiyon at yung epektong oil crisis na ‘yan,” said Hontiveros.
The senator further explained that the issues mentioned by Padilla have long been existing concerns and should not automatically justify online participation in Senate proceedings.
“Ang kinatatakutang hidwaan ng China at Taiwan, medyo matagal-tagal nang banta ‘yan, hindi naman kinailangan na mag-online work. At yung global warming at climate change, ang tagal na rin,” she continued.
Hontiveros insisted that such national and international concerns should be addressed by lawmakers through in-person work and discussions inside the Senate.
The issue stemmed from Robin Padilla’s viral statement where he enumerated several global events and threats, claiming that these situations could already be considered as “force majeure.”
““War/gera/digmaan sa Gitnang Silangan na nagreresulta na ng terorismo sa iba’t ibang parte ng mundo, ang napipintong pagkakadawit ng Pilipinas sa China-Taiwan conflict. Hindi po ba ito force majeure?” said Robin.
Padilla’s remarks quickly sparked discussions online, with many netizens debating whether the cited global tensions and crises could indeed fall under the definition of force majeure in the context of Senate proceedings.
As of writing, Robin Padilla has yet to release any response or statement regarding Hontiveros’ disagreement with his explanation.
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