Binay on Padilla’s apology over wife’s IV drip photo: May it serve as lesson

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Nancy Binay said she hopes that lessons have been learned following the “vitamin C drip” controversy in the Senate.

Binay’s remark came after Senator Robin Padilla sent her office a letter of apology, emphasizing that he does not mean to “intentionally ignore” the rules of the Senate.

READ: Padilla sorry over wife’s pic; senators appeased 

Padilla and his wife, Mariel Padilla, previously drew flak after the actress shared a photo of her receiving her dose of “IV drip” at the Senate.

Binay, who chairs the Senate committee on ethics and privileges, earlier expressed concern on the incident, airing the need to “look closely into it because it involves issues of conduct, integrity, and reputation of the Institution, and matters that concern health and safety.”

READ: Binay: Mariel Padilla’s IV drip involves Senate’s integrity, safety concerns 

In a letter sent to Sen. Padilla on Tuesday, Sen. Binay noted that she “fully understands” her colleague’s concerns regarding the incident.

“Batid ko po ang inyong pagsusumamo, at bilang kasama sa Mataas na Kapulungan, lubos ko pong nauunawaan ang inyong mga alalahanin patungkol sa mga naging kaganapan nitong nakalipas na mga araw,” she said.

(I am aware of your plea, and as a member of the Upper House, I fully understand your concerns regarding the events of the past few days.)

“Tungkulin natin na pangalagaan ang integridad ng Senado. Nawa’y maging aral sa ating lahat ang nangyaring insidente at manatili tayong higit sa kapintasan bilang mga kinatawan at halal ng taumbayan,” said Binay

(It is our duty to protect the integrity of the Senate. May the incident be a lesson to all of us and may we remain above reproach as the representatives and electors of the people.)

READ: Mariel Padilla receives backlash for doing ‘IV drip’ in Senate office 

Mariel has taken down the photo and stressed that she did not mean to offend anyone with her post.