Manila, May 27 -- Malacanang on Wednesday said the recent tensions in the Senate give the Filipinos an opportunity to reflect on the priorities of elected leaders amid heated debates over proposed changes to chamber rules allowing remote participation in plenary sessions.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged Filipinos to assess whether the lawmakers are acting in the interest of the public or for personal gains.

"Lumalabas po talaga na maayos naman ang mga rules at nais lamang nila itong baguhin (It appears that the rules are in order, and they only want to change them)," Castro told reporters in Tokyo, Japan.

"Ang mga Pilipino, dito makikita, ito ang magandang pagkakataon para malaman natin lahat kung ang mga liderato ba at mga l...