Senator JV Ejercito on Tuesday reiterated that the Senate minority bloc’s position on the absence of majority senators during the Monday plenary session was not about asserting Senate independence, but rather a “boycott“ in response to the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
During an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, Ejercito said the minority disagreed with claims that the cancellation or non-attendance of the session was linked to a push for institutional independence, stressing that it appeared to be a protest action instead.
“Ang minority po ay meron ng statement din it’s not about Senate independence ang issue kahapon. Ang position ay parang boycott ito sa nangyari... pag-aresto kahapon,” Ejercito said.
He also noted that members of the minority only learned late in the day that the majority bloc would not attend the session scheduled at 5 p.m., despite waiting for hours at the plenary hall.
Ejercito said the Senate minority — composed of 11 senators — waited for about two hours for the session to begin, but no proceedings took place due to the absence of majority senators, including key members of the majority bloc.
According to Ejercito, the explanation from the leadership was only relayed later in the evening, leaving the minority unaware of the decision in advance.
“Nandun na ho sa statement ng Senate President [Alan Peter Cayetano]… talagang sinabi na rin po na ang majority ay hindi na rin po papasok hapon. Pero nalaman na lang namin ‘yan habang kami nag-aantay,” he said.
The incident drew criticism from the minority bloc, which accused the majority of deliberately failing to attend the session following the arrest of Estrada.
In a joint statement, the minority said there was no prior notice that the majority intended not to convene on Monday.
He said that the Senate proceedings were effectively stalled for the day, with no plenary session held.
Ejercito emphasized the minority bloc intended to continue attending plenary sessions despite recent disruptions, noting that two days of legislative work had already been affected, including measures scheduled for third and fourth reading that were not taken up.
He cited pending bills, including naturalization measures and Commission on Appointments-related matters, which he said were delayed due to the absence of session.
“Ang balak namin, basta magpakita kami sa session na nitong dalawang araw na kami, may mga fourth or third reading pa kami nasayang po,” he said.
Ejercito also raised concern over pending military promotions and confirmations, noting that delays could affect officers nearing mandatory retirement age.
“Lalo lalo na po ang concern ko po yung magbibirthday ng mga opisyales ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na maaring hindi na sila ma-promote dahil sila ay mag-overage na,” he said.
“So yun pong akin inaala. At yung mga trabaho natin, ay napipinsala,“ the senator added.
He urged both blocs to ensure the Senate continues to convene and fulfill its constitutional duties despite political tensions.
