Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid on Tuesday, May 26 finally brought comic relief to an embattled Senate even after denying reports he has joined the majority bloc. 

In a privilege speech, Lapid refuted reports circulating on social media that he has decided to join the Senate majority bloc when he did not join the minority senators in seconding Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri’s motion to strike from the records Sen. Imee Marcos’ video presentation on Monday, May 25.

The senator said he has no plans of leaving the 11-man Senate minority bloc.

“Manifestation lang,  tungkol po sa nangyari kahapon at maraming kumalat sa social media na ako’y lumipat na sa majority. Hindi po totoo yun. Mananatili po ako sa minority group at hindi po ako aalis dito (Just a manifestation, regarding what happened yesterday and the reports that circulated in social media that I joined  the majority. That’s not true. I will remain with the minority group and I will leave this group),” he said. 

Lapid then clarified he is supporting Zubiri’s motion on Marcos’ video presentation and said the reason why he was not able to speak about the matter is because he thought that the Senate will put Zubiri’s motion to a vote.

“Akala ko may botohan, ngayon pala ay wala naman ( I thought a voting will happen, but none happened),” he pointed out.

Lapid, then called for unity among his peers, urging them to set aside their political differences. 

“Hiling ko lang po dito sa Senado, sana magkaisa tayo. Iwasan na ang bangayan. Daming bisitang pari dito…ipagdasal niyo po kami magkaisa para maibalik ang dangal ng Senado (I’m just asking the Senate, I hope we unite. Let’s stop fighting. We have so many visitors here who are priests…please pray that we unite so we can restore the Senate’s dignity),” Lapid emphasized.

To this, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano acknowledged Lapid’s manifestation, saying that even if he is not with the majority bloc, he will still remain in the hearts of the members of the majority group. 

After this, Sen. Pia Cayetano took the plenary to thank Lapid for his gesture and proudly narrated how the latter would always bring her local delicacies from Pampanga even if they are not party mates. 

“Gusto ko lang pasalamatan kahit na magkaiba na tayo ng partido, we are batch mates, so magkasama kami since 2004, buwan-buwan nagpapadala pa rin siya ng maja blanca at suman (I just want to thank him despite coming from different parties, we are batch mates, so we were together since 2004. He would send me maja blanca and suman every month),” she said.

Lapid immediately stood up and assured Pia Cayetano she is loved.

“Gusto ko kasi malaman mo na mahal kita (I just want you to know that I love you),” said Lapid, eliciting laughter from Senate visitors, staff, senators, both from the majority and minority, while a flustered Pia Cayetano gave him flying kisses. 

Her brother, then interjected, saying he is wondering why Lapid would still send him “sisig” when he has already informed the senator he is already taking maintenance medicine for his cholesterol.

“Iniisip ko na mahal din niya ako or si Sen. Pia lang ang kanyang mahal (I’m thinking if he does love me too or if he only loves Sen. Pia),” the Senate chief said.