Richard Gordon fumed over the non-exemption of Subic Bay and other freeport zones in the country.
"Our country needs investments. I'm wary about setting up another layer called FIRB," he said, referring to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri urged Gordon to follow procedure wherein contentious provisions are voted upon."I was surprised that Mr. Zubiri would say na matagal na ito [pinag-uusapan], dapat bumoto na tayo. Ano ibig sabihin nu'n? Tatahimik ako?" Gordon said.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III tried to placate Gordon, saying that all senators have the right to speak on the floor."We are giving you the floor even if the sponsor has the floor."