Atty. Enrique “Buko” dela Cruz, Dean of the College of Law at Baliuag University, said the ongoing Senate leadership dispute is taking a toll on Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s reputation as a public servant.

In an interview on the program Point of View, dela Cruz said Cayetano could easily address questions about his claim to the Senate presidency by attending a session and allowing the senators to determine where the majority stands.

“Nasisira 'yung kanyang brand. 'Yung kanyang pangalan bilang isang trusted public servant ay nada-damage kasi all he has to do is attend the session,” he said.

He stressed that holding livestreams and online press briefings does not resolve the issue, as the power struggle can only be settled within the Senate through official proceedings, and that such actions raise doubts about his willingness to test his support among fellow senators.

“To solve this, you should meet with all the other senators in session. So by going on press briefings online, nada-damage lang 'yung kanyang reputation at 'yung kanyang brand. Hindi na maso-solve 'yung problema,” he added.

Despite the controversy, dela Cruz noted that the dispute has increased public interest in constitutional issues, as more Filipinos have begun discussing topics such as quorum and Senate procedure, helping broaden civic awareness.

“Despite the power struggle, nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga pangyayaring ito sa Senado dahil na-educate ang taong bayan. Never in our history have our people become so interested in the Constitution,” he said.