Columnist Discusses Senate Absences and Committee Changes

A Rappler opinion column published on May 22, 2026, discusses Senate attendance records and reactions to recent committee leadership changes. The column defines the term "snowflake" as overly sensitive behavior and applies it to some senators. It states that Senate work requires facing public criticism and debate over national policy.

The column notes that Senator Bato has the longest record of absences. It states that he raised his voice when questioned about attending work on a Monday during a national event. The column also mentions a senator who appeared emotional during a social media broadcast after not being contacted during a Senate incident. It references a timeline of a Senate shooting incident.

The column reports that new Senate leadership led to changes in committee chair positions. It states that Senator Joel Villanueva received congratulatory posts from state universities and colleges after becoming chair of the committee on higher, technical, and vocational education.

The column says the timing of these posts coincided with his new role and budget oversight responsibilities. It notes that some public comments on the posts were negative. The column concludes by asking about the condition of Senator Pia.