Senate Showdown: Roque vs. Hontiveros in a Clash of Titans (and Interruptions)

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

Yes, the Philippine Senate. The last bastion of high drama, where plot twists rival those of the best telenovelas, and the cast of characters never fails to entertain. Our latest episode features former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Senator Risa Hontiveros, with a guest appearance by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. Grab your popcorn, people, because this one’s a doozy.

At the Heart of the Storm

For those just tuning in, this saga revolves around the raiding of the Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) Lucky South 99. Senator Hontiveros, ever the diligent investigator, decided to revisit Roque’s alleged ties to this gaming operator during a Senate Committee on Women hearing. Yes, you read that right—a committee focused on women was the stage for this showdown. Because why not?

Roque’s Missteps

Let’s start with Roque, the man who redefined the term “interrupting.” During the hearing, Roque showcased his talent for talking over anyone and everyone, a skill he must have honed during his time as a spokesperson. His defense? He was being “very respectful.” This brings us to the moral and ethical standards, which apparently now include “talk loudly and carry a big, interrupting stick.”

According to Gatchalian, interrupting the chairperson—Hontiveros in this case—is a big no-no. It seems the Senate’s unwritten rulebook, probably penned by someone with a flair for the dramatic, frowns upon such behavior. Cue the ethical provisions of the Philippine Senate, which emphasize respect for the chair, or as they might say, “Don’t mess with the head honcho.”

Roque’s legal defense was equally entertaining. He argued that the raid’s warrant was from a Bulacan court, which apparently has as much jurisdiction over Pampanga as a cat over the moon. He also insisted he wasn’t the lawyer for Lucky South 99, just for Whirlwind Corporation—a service provider for the gaming firm. It’s like saying you’re not the cook, you’re just the one stirring the pot.

Hontiveros’s Trail of Destruction

Not to be outdone, Hontiveros had her share of eyebrow-raising moments. She demanded straightforward answers to complex questions, which in politics is like asking for a snowstorm in Manila. Her persistence in questioning Roque’s involvement, despite his increasingly exasperated denials, bordered on the obsessive. According to her, this wasn’t insinuation; it was just “asking questions.” Because nothing says innocence like grilling someone repeatedly.

Hontiveros also found herself accused of “insinuating”—a term Roque found deeply offensive. Apparently, in the Senate’s realm of ethical and moral standards, insinuating is worse than interrupting, lying, or possibly even jaywalking. Who knew?

The Winner is…

In this battle of wits, who comes out on top? It’s a tough call. Roque, with his relentless interruptions and legal gymnastics, has certainly made his mark. But Hontiveros, with her dogged determination and strategic questioning, isn’t exactly backing down. If this were a boxing match, it would be a draw, with both sides landing enough jabs to keep the crowd entertained.

Recommendations

To Roque: Maybe consider a crash course in Senate etiquette. Interrupting the chairperson might not be the best strategy, unless you’re aiming for a contempt citation. And perhaps tone down the legal jargon—it tends to make people’s eyes glaze over.

To Hontiveros: Persistence is great, but there’s a fine line between tenacious and tiresome. Try mixing in a few new questions, maybe even a lighthearted joke. It might throw your opponents off balance.

Conclusion

In the end, this Senate hearing was less about finding the truth and more about showcasing the grand theatrical talents of our political leaders. As always, the real winners are those of us watching from the sidelines, popcorn in hand, waiting for the next act in this never-ending drama.

Stay tuned, folks. Who knows what our cast of characters will come up with next?