The Philippine Senate's official website was hacked, resulting in its temporary shutdown and a message demanding accountability from lawmakers. The defacement occurred amidst an ongoing political struggle that has intensified leadership disputes within the Senate.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, aligned with former President Rodrigo Duterte, took over the Senate presidency last month. However, a rival group of 12 senators declared the position vacant, subsequently appointing Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as the acting president. This power struggle has exacerbated the Senate's existing dysfunction.
The hackers' message echoed sentiments often associated with the activist group Anonymous, stating, “The people deserve truth. The people deserve accountability.” In response to intelligence reports of potential disruptions by armed groups, Gatchalian announced increased security measures within the Senate.