MANILA – Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Senate minority bloc proved that “retreat can mean victory” after staging a walkout Tuesday evening amid a dispute over a proposal allowing online participation in Senate proceedings.

In a statement posted on X, Lacson said the so-called “Solid Bloc 11” minority senators asserted their position by invoking Senate rules during the plenary standoff.

“Senate minority walkout: we demonstrated how to score a victory by retreating. They may have superior numbers but we have the rules on our side,” he said on X.

He added, “When they in the majority play dirty, we in the minority will play it smart,” he said.

The walkout stemmed from questions raised by minority senators over the majority bloc’s move to take up and vote on a motion by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta seeking to allow remote or online participation in Senate sessions.

Lacson said Marcoleta’s motion, filed on May 11, had already been referred to the Committee on Rules. He argued that under Senate procedures, Rule 24 — not Rule 136 — should apply, which provides that committees must convene to deliberate and submit reports on referred matters.

He also noted that the Committee on Rules currently has no chairperson or members following the May 11 Senate leadership change, during which all positions were considered vacant.

The minority bloc eventually walked out after the majority pushed through with the motion despite their objections.

Lacson also criticized what he described as a dismissive remark directed at Sen. Risa Hontiveros during the debate, saying at least one senator showed a condescending tone toward a fellow minority member.

“In a condescending tone, a colleague, who is a lawyer, took issue with Sen Hontiveros’ lack of ‘legal background.’ I have a simple message — it’s the RULES, stupid!” he said.

The controversy arose amid discussions on whether senators should be allowed to attend and vote remotely during sessions, a proposal that has divided members of the chamber.