Two more senators may join the Senate majority bloc as efforts continue to secure enough numbers to resume sessions and pass pending legislation, Sen. Erwin Tulfo said on Monday.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Tulfo said their group is currently in talks with one male and one female senator from the Cayetano bloc, although no firm commitments have been made.
“May hinihikayat na aside from Sen. Joel, may dalawa pa sa lalaki at sa babae kung mahihikayat. Pero ongoing naman yung usapan bilang magkakaibigan,” Tulfo said.
Tulfo added that informal meetings, including dinners and private visits, are being held as part of efforts to persuade colleagues to participate in Senate proceedings.
Villanueva, who recently said he is willing to attend a possible special session, has not yet made clear whether he will join the new majority bloc or support its choice for Senate president.
“Kami po nagpapasalamat in advance kay Sen. Joel for sabi niya na mag-aattend siya kung may special session at sana pati yung iba na rin ay umattend na rin siguro para tapos magampanan namin yung aming mga trabaho,” Tulfo said.
“Pero yung mag-boboto siya ng Senate President, wala pang linaw. So nakaantabay lamang kami.”
Tulfo emphasized that their immediate goal is not necessarily to expand their ranks but to ensure lawmakers attend sessions to address pending bills and resolutions.
“Ang kailangan lang namin pumasok sila para magkaroon tayo ng sesyon matapos yung mga panukalang batas,” he said.
However, Tulfo acknowledged that some senators remain hesitant due to fears of public backlash, including criticism from social media users and political supporters.
“May isa na ang gusto nila magtrabaho pero dahil nga itong grupo na ito, ang problema niya baka siya ay talagang mabubugbog ng mga basher, mga vlogger, mga troll.”
“Pero yung kanyang pamilya, kanyang mga anak gusto na niyang gusto siyang magpumasok na at magtrabaho,” Tulfo added.
He said such pressure is affecting decision-making among some lawmakers, particularly those aligned with the minority bloc.
Despite tensions, Tulfo said communication lines remain open between senators across factions.
“Maski na nag-aaway nang gano'n, magbabarkada eh… At the end of the day nag-uusap naman sila.”
As of writing, no official date has been set for the special session that may be called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang earlier said Marcos was considering the request to hold a special session following the appeal of Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian. However, the Palace later clarified that the upper chamber should first resolve its internal impasse before any special session is convened.
Tulfo noted that the timing of a possible special session remains entirely within Malacañang’s discretion, as the President holds the authority to call for one if urgent legislative matters need to be addressed.
