During a Senate session, Senator Lito Lapid drew attention and lighthearted reactions from those present after he responded to Senator Pia Cayetano with the phrase "mahal kita" (I love you). The exchange occurred as Cayetano was expressing her gratitude toward Lapid for his consistent monthly gestures of sending her Filipino delicacies, specifically maja blanca and suman.
The incident occurred amidst official proceedings, highlighting a moment of camaraderie between the two legislators. Lapid had initially stood up to clarify his political standing before the playful exchange took place.