A lighthearted exchange between Senators Pia Cayetano and Lito Lapid broke the political tension in the Senate on Tuesday, May 26, as Cayetano thanked Lapid for continuing a long tradition of sending her Filipino sweets despite their sitting in opposing legislative blocs.
“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat kay Sen. Lito Lapid na kahit na magkaiba na tayo ng partido… We are batchmates, so magkasama kami since 2004,” Cayetano said. “Majority, minority, buwan-buwan nagpapadala pa rin siya sa akin ng maja blanca at suman.”
Lapid drew laughter from the plenary crowd and gallery with his playful response: “Gusto ko po kasing malaman mo na mahal kita.”
The light moment prompted a reaction from Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who jokingly questioned Lapid's choice of gifts for him.
“I am trying to figure out bakit maja blanca ang binibigay sa kanya samantalang sinabi ko na kay Kuya Lito Lapid na ako’y umiinom na ng maintenance medicine para sa cholesterol pero sisig pa rin ang dinadala niya para sa incentive. So iniisip ko kung mahal din niya ako o si Sen. Pia lang,” the Senate President jokingly stated.
Acting Majority Leader Joel Villanueva chimed in, quipping, “Mr. President, nilalapit ka daw niya sa Diyos.”
The playful interaction occurred on the same day Lapid delivered a rare manifestation to clarify his political alignment. Lapid confirmed that he remains firmly with the 11-member minority bloc, dubbed "Solid Block 11" or SB-11.
While there is no official confirmation that the group is actively pursuing a reorganization, reports indicate a leadership shakeup may be 'in the works,' with the minority bloc expected to support Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian should a change in the Senate Presidency occur.
Written by Czairine Quimoyog
Czairine Quimoyog is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
