A long-standing feud between Senators in the Philippines’ highest legislative chamber is being played out in a series of very public “privilege speeches” given by each elected official.  Senators Santiago and Enrile have been attacking each other in the Senate for weeks now, with Santiago accusing Enrile of a laundry list of crimes both ethical and criminal and Enrile responding with what can best be described as passive-aggressive stunts, such as ostentatiously playing the video game “Bejeweled” on his phone while Santiago delivered a speech against him.

For some time, speculation grew that the Senate as a whole would be forced to assign a mediator to the two in an attempt to curb the public spectacle, which many fear is lowering the prestige of the highest legislative body in the Philippines, a country facing severe challenges after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.  However, the Senate released a statement stating there would be no mediation between the Senators.

Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto was quoted as saying “(There is) no need for anyone to mediate.  I don’t think it will prolong.” The general attitude of the Senate is that this is a personal matter between the Senators.  Santiago has made no effort to formally charge Enrile, and as a result there is no action required by the Senate.  With the decision to not pursue mediation between the Senators, the expectation is that the two will eventually tire of dedicating entire speeches to attacking each other and the business of the country can continue.

Many in the public still want something to be done, however, as public opinion of the Senate continues to drop as a direct result of the opinion of both Senators in that country.