The Senate minority bloc, known as “Solid Bloc 11,” called for the resignation of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, accusing him of abandoning his duties and violating Senate rules following repeated disruptions in plenary sessions, including a no-show by the majority bloc earlier this week.

In a joint statement, the group criticized the Senate leadership, saying the chamber could not be rendered nonfunctional due to the presiding officer’s alleged refusal to properly carry out his responsibilities.

“What happened today was a clear abandonment of responsibility, a dereliction of duty, and a blatant disregard of the rules that govern this institution, because the Senate cannot be made to stop working simply because its presiding officer refuses to lead,” the minority bloc said in a statement.

The statement also cited Rule XIV, Section 41 of the Senate Rules, which requires consultation with both the Majority Leader and Minority Leader before the Senate president may postpone sessions. The group alleged that this provision was violated, calling it a “direct violation of the Rules of the Senate” and an affront to public accountability.

“Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano SHOULD RESIGN as he has shown that he cannot function as the leader of the Senate,” the bloc added.

The statement comes amid ongoing tensions in the upper chamber, following reports of the majority bloc’s absence during a scheduled plenary session, which further fueled political friction between Senate factions.

The Senate majority bloc was notably absent from Monday and today’s plenary session, leaving minority senators to question the chamber’s ability to proceed with legislative business and raising concerns over internal gridlock.