Senate President Describes May 13 Shooting as Attack on Senate

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters that everyone present at a May 13 media briefing had been in danger the previous night. He raised his voice and struck the podium while insisting the Senate had come under attack. Several journalists at the briefing said they had been inside the building during the incident and heard gunfire.

Cayetano also described the Senate as being under attack. Some reporters covering the chamber said social media posts by senators present that night showed no visible signs of distress.

The statements came during coverage of the second impeachment proceeding against Vice President Sara Duterte. The proceeding marks the first time a Philippine vice president has faced impeachment twice. Rappler columnist Chito de la Vega noted that Senate President Cayetano urged verification of official accounts and referenced principles from the book The Elements of Journalism.