Tensions flare at House as Lee grabs mic from Daza during budget talks

MANILA, Philippines — Tensions at the House of Representatives session flared after Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee grabbed the microphone from Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza while discussions on the proposed 2025 budget were underway.

During the end of the interpellations for the Department of Health (DOH) budget on Wednesday, Daza was in the middle of moving to terminate deliberations as no Minority lawmaker wanted to ask questions.

However, Lee tried to interrupt Daza by going near him and grabbing one of the microphones at the plenary.

“We appreciate your understanding and patience with the members of the Minority as I know sometimes we all get emotional, and appreciate what the vice chair and the chairman have done to make sure our concerns and issues are addressed.  Thank you so much to our vice chairs, and other sponsors,” Daza said.

“Mr. Speaker, having no more members of the Minority…” Daza continued before he was interrupted by Lee.

“No, Mr. Speaker, Madam Sponsor, no,” Lee said.

Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin meanwhile proceeded with the motion to terminate the deliberations on the DOH budget, asking the Speaker to rule on the motion.

“Mr. Speaker, we join the Minority in their motion to terminate the period of debate and interpellation [on the Department of Health budget], so moved Mr. Speaker,” Garin said.

“Ganyan na ba ang nangyayari ngayon dito sa atin (Is this what’s happening to us now)?  No, Mr. Speaker, let me question the quorum, Mr. Speaker, let me question the quorum,” Lee countered.

Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco then approved Garin’s motion.

DOH’s proposed budget was initially discussed last Monday, but Lee moved to defer the discussions as some of his concerns — like his proposal for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to expand its coverage — were not addressed.

The House is expected to approve the proposed P6.352 trillion budget for 2025 on Wednesday before it goes on a break.  On Tuesday, President Ferdinang Marcos Jr. certified the budget bill as urgent, allowing the House to approve it on second reading and third reading on the same day.