The recent Senate vote on the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill, a pet project of President Bongbong Marcos, has left Filipino netizens furious and apprehensive. Taking to social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, they expressed their dismay over the voting outcome and the implications it may have for the nation.

With a voting result of 19-1-1, the Senate passed the MIF Act, just over a week after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. labeled it as an urgent matter. Of the 24 senators, only Senator Risa Hontiveros voted against the bill, while 19 senators cast their votes in favor, including some who initially had reservations about the proposed measure.

Notably, Minority leader Koko Pimentel, who had been one of the most vocal critics of the regime’s legislative agenda, as well as senators Francis Escudero and Imee Marcos, were absent during the voting process. Their absence did not go unnoticed, leaving Filipino netizens with no choice but to vent their grievances online.

One Twitter user, Kyle #AngatBuhay, expressed support for those opposing the bill, stating, “Voting No to the Maharlika bill takes real balls to do. We need more opposition lawmakers in the Senate. I hope the people reelect Kiko and elect Leni should they choose to run for elections.”

Another Twitter user, Anti-Magnanakaw (@ALCUMEN10), didn’t mince words saying, “Iyan ang kulang sa mga opposition. You have to use the media para malaman ng tao kung ano ang Maharlika Fund. Hindi iyon magsasalita ka dahil alam mo na ipapasa pa rin. Sina Koko, Escudero, Pia nagpakita pa kunwari ng pagkontra tapos boboto rin ng Yes for Maharlika Fund.”

The netizens’ disappointment was particularly aimed at Senator Pimentel, who later justified his absence by claiming he would have voted against the bill and had delivered a strong speech opposing it. However, Twitter users were not convinced, labeling him a “lapdog of Russia and China,” a “hypocrite,” a “coward,” and accused him of “playing safe.”

In an attempt to appease their critics, both Pimentel and Escudero took to the media to explain their positions and continue expressing their opposition. Pimentel now calls on the President to utilize his veto power and return the bill to Congress, asserting that it is “not acceptable in its current form” and urging a thorough reevaluation to address the concerns raised by various sectors.

Echoing Pimentel’s sentiments, Escudero referred to the bill as “congenitally flawed.” However, despite their protestations, astute Filipino netizens are aware that politics in the Philippines is ultimately a numbers game, and the opposition does not wield sufficient influence to sway the outcome.

The online backlash following the Senate’s vote demonstrates the deep frustration felt by Filipino netizens who have been left feeling voiceless and concerned about the implications of the MIF bill. As the bill awaits the President’s signature to become law, it remains to be seen how this controversial measure will shape the nation’s future.