Senator Alan Peter Cayetano continued to claim that he remains the legitimate Senate President as the Gatchalian-led bloc was recognized by the Malacañang Palace and the House of Representatives amid leadership transition in the chamber.
Cayetano held a press briefing on Monday, June 8, alleging Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian of ousting authority and operating under the influence of Malacañang by acting as Senate President, arguing that they had not met the required number of votes.
“So, apparently, because ayaw nila pumayag, dalawa Senado natin ngayon. You have the Senate of the Philippines, and you have the Senate of the Malacañang,” the senator said.
He also stated that he sent a letter to the former Senate Secretary Jose Luis Montales, saying that Montales cannot be removed if the rule is followed.
The former Senate President accused the new majority bloc that recent transformations in the Senate were carried out by Malacañang's authorization, which the Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro denied.
“Ang hiling lang po natin, sana ay huwag kumilos ang nasabing opisyal na parang siya pa ang biktima,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
This was followed by the new Senate Majority's claims that Cayetano was no longer the chamber’s leader and elected a new set of officers and committee chairpersons on Wednesday, June 3, as he and his allies’ absence was felt.
“For clarity, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is no longer Senate President after the Senate, with 12 senators present and quorum declared based on the recognized base number of 22 under Avelino v. Cuenco, voted to declare all positions vacant, including the presidency of the institution,” the bloc said.
Written by Czairine Quimoyog
Czairine Quimoyog is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
