It all started with a traditional photo op taken during the opening of the third and last regular session of the 17th Congress on Monday.
The photo later became the subject of a meme, depicting a class picture of all 23 senators, that circulated on social media.
On Tuesday, that meme has reached the session hall of the Senate as some senators poked fun at each other. Each senator was given a corresponding label in the meme.
The Senate ‘class picture’
The joke started after the Senate adopted a resolution congratulating Senator Manny Pacquiao for his latest victory over World Boxing Association Welterweight Champion Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
After adopting the measure, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto recognized Pacquiao to respond to the approval of the resolution.
“Senator Pacquiao, the varsity member of the Senate is recognized,” Recto said, eliciting laughter from some of his colleagues.
“Varsity” is the label given to Pacquiao in the meme.
After Pacquiao, Recto recognized Senator Richard Gordon as “our class representative”— the title that was given to him.
Responding to Recto, Gordon said: “Thank you very much to the acting Senate President right now, the class treasurer.”
“Class Treasurer” was Recto’s title in the meme.
Detained Senator Leila de Lima was not included in the photo but her name at the bottom right and labeled “Suspended ng Guidance.”
De Lima has been detained at Camp Crame in Quezon City over her alleged involvement on illegal drugs.