The newly formed Senate majority issued a joint statement calling for the upper chamber to “get back to work,” following recent leadership changes and the assumption of Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore.
The statement praised Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero for taking the floor and helping allow the Senate to proceed with discussions on pressing legislative matters.
“We express our deep appreciation and commend the courageous decision of Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero to take the floor today and confront the issues facing the institution,” the majority bloc said. “His action sent a clear message: that his commitment to the country, to the Senate, and to the Constitution would prevail above all else.”
The group emphasized that Escudero’s presence enabled the chamber to move forward with discussions on critical national issues that could not be delayed.
On the question of quorum, the majority cited legal precedent, pointing to the Supreme Court ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco, which they said recognizes that a quorum of 12 may be based on members legally able to discharge Senate functions.
They also referenced an institutional precedent in 2015, when the Senate continued its work despite similar circumstances, arguing that government functions must not be stalled.
“There is likewise an institutional precedent. In 2015, the Senate recognized a quorum of 12 senators who were within its jurisdiction,” the statement read. “The Senate continued to perform its constitutional duties because the work of government could not be placed on hold.”
The majority bloc stressed that the Senate must remain functional despite internal disagreements, saying the institution cannot be paralyzed by uncertainty or political division.
“At a time when the nation faces pressing challenges, the Filipino people expect their Senate to work, deliberate, and fulfill its constitutional mandate,” the statement said.
The group added that the chamber’s core responsibilities—legislation, oversight, and public service—must take precedence over political tensions.
“The Filipino people deserve a Senate that shows up, does its job, and places public service above politics,” they said.
They concluded by urging the Senate to move forward and resume full legislative work in the interest of national governance and stability.
The statement comes amid ongoing leadership realignments in the Senate, including the election of new committee chairpersons and Sen. Gatchalian’s assumption as acting Senate leadership following internal changes.
