Cayetano, Zubiri in near fistfight

(UPDATES) A HEATED debate over a resolution on enlisted men's barrio (Embo) almost resulted in a fistfight between Sens. Alan Cayetano and Juan Miguel Zubiri, both former Senate presidents. Cayetano said he filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 because the 10 Embo villages — comprised of 336,873 residents — now part of Taguig City should be given the right to vote for their congressional representative in the 2025 midterm elections. It also allows the increase in the number of councilors in each area to ensure fair representation. "All residents of Taguig have the right to equal representation, and those qualified have the fundamental right to exercise their right to suffrage," read part of Cayetano's resolution. Zubiri questioned why the measure was being discussed when it wasn't on the Senate agenda, noting the importance of following due process. He said the sudden appearance of Cayetano's Embo resolution goes against the Senate's commitment to transparency in legislative matters. Cayetano said the measure was basic and did not require much time for scrutiny. "I don't want to take the risk. You saw the rain today. What if there's a storm tomorrow, and we adjourn? So, can no one from Embo run for congressman? No one can vote? This is a five-page resolution, elementary reading," he added. Zubiri apologized for raising his voice during the discussion. Cayetano's resolution supports Taguig City Ordinance 144, which aims to include and distribute the 10 Embo villages in the existing two legislative districts and increase the number of councilors per district from eight to 12. The Senate approved Cayetano's resolution in time for the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 1. A concurrent resolution requires passage by both legislative houses without the President's signature. Its counterpart in the House of Representatives, House Concurrent Resolution 37, with comparable provisions in the Senate version, was filed on September 18 by Taguig-Pateros Rep. Ricardo Cruz Jr. Under this resolution, the first district will encompass Comembo, Pembo and Rizal. In contrast, the second district will include Cembo, South Cembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside and Post Proper Southside. Cayetano urged Taguig residents to participate in shaping the future of their city. "Let's make sure of three things: one, that every single Taguigeño can buy into a vision for Taguig; second, that people can vote; and third, that people can run [for office]," he said.