Former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano questioned the legality of the recent Senate proceedings, arguing that the chamber failed to meet constitutional quorum requirements and proper leadership succession rules.
In a Facebook Live broadcast, Cayetano insisted that the Constitution clearly requires 13 senators to constitute a quorum, disputing claims that 12 members were sufficient for the Senate session.
“12 may quorum, samantalang malinaw sa Constitution, 13,” Cayetano said, adding that the legal precedent being cited by the opposing camp involved a continuing session that originally began with a valid quorum.
He also challenged the procedure used in presiding over the session, saying Senate rules specify that only the Senate President, Senate President Pro Tempore, Majority Leader, or Assistant Majority Leader may preside over proceedings.
“Wala po doon na nagsasabi kahit Win ang pangalan mo, hindi po win yun," Cayetano remarked, referring to Acting Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian.
Despite his criticism, Cayetano said Filipinos continue to face bigger daily struggles beyond politics, stressing that institutional issues in the Senate should not overshadow the hardships experienced by ordinary citizens.
The remarks come amid ongoing leadership tensions in the Senate following Gatchalian’s assumption as acting Senate president.
