PASAY CITY—Former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III took the floor on May 12, to forcefully deny claims that he authorized the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to arrest Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa within the Senate. 

Sotto addressed the plenary to clear his name after rumors swirled that he had greenlit the operation. 

“Let the records speak for itself.” The former Senate President said in the plenary.

He maintained that he never coordinated with the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to allow agents to "wrestle" or harass a fellow lawmaker on the premises.

The denial follows a chaotic standoff during yesterday’s session where Dela Rosa, appearing for the first time in six months, was reportedly intercepted by NBI agents. 

While Sotto admitted he was aware of an existing warrant against Dela Rosa, he clarified that he did not approve a "hot pursuit" inside the building. 

“Kaya ganoon lang kadali ang sinabi ko, coordinate with the OSAA.” Senator Sotto stated.

Sotto stressed that he was completely unaware Dela Rosa would show up to vote, flatly rejecting any accusations of obstruction of justice or "betrayal" of his colleague.

“I didn’t realize that he was coming. I didn’t know that he was going to be there that afternoon. I just thought it was simple information given to the Senate President that the member of the Senate was being issued a warrant of arrest.”, Senator Sotto argued.

The Senate remains in a state of high tension following a successful "coup" that installed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate President.