Senator Alan Peter Cayetano insisted that he is still the legitimate Senate President in his Facebook Live broadcast after his co-lawmakers elected Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian as the Senate President Pro Tempore on Wednesday, June 3.
“I am still the legitimate, legal, moral Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Cayetano said.
He also stated that the initiative is illegal and unconstitutional. "Hindi po nila ako naalis... Wala pong ground para magkaroon ng acting president," the lawmaker said.
He described the shake-up as an illegal coup d'état that violates the Constitution.
Cayetano further argued that the number of senators present was insufficient, noting that a majority of 24 requires 13 members, challenging the new majority bloc’s claim of having a quorum.
Furthermore, former Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda also called the election “unconstitutional,” noting that "no senator can validly act as Senate President on the strength of only twelve votes.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the new Majority, Senator Erwin Tulfo, claimed that Cayetano will remain as the Senate President due to a lack of the required 13 votes to replace him from the post.
Written by Czairine Quimoyog
Czairine Quimoyog is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
