Fact check finds senator did not resign from office

A video posted on May 25 claimed a senator resigned from office, but the claim is false. The video, uploaded by a YouTube channel with over 171,000 subscribers, used a thumbnail stating the senator had resigned and a caption suggesting the move was sudden.

The senator remains listed as a member of the 20th Congress on the official Senate website. The image in the thumbnail was taken when the senator resigned as chairman of a Senate committee on October 6, 2025, not from the Senate itself. The claim appears to stem from a May 22 interview in which the senator said he had considered resigning due to recent events in the chamber.

The senator later stated he ultimately decided against the move because he still sees hope for restoring the Senate's integrity.

Senate controversies The chamber has faced several controversies since a leadership change on May 11. These include a shooting incident on May 13, the escape of a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court, and a May 20 floor debate. On May 26, the minority bloc walked out during proceedings over a proposal to allow online voting for senators with justifiable reasons for absence.

Rappler has previously published fact checks addressing similar false claims about resignations or removals of public officials.