Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday claimed that a recent walkout by minority senators was intended to prevent a leadership change and block ongoing committee investigations, including hearings of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
In a livestreamed address, Cayetano revisited the May 11 leadership shift in the chamber and the subsequent walkout, saying the developments were not solely about the impeachment process, as previously suggested by some lawmakers, but also involved broader disputes over Senate rules and committee control.
“My objective is noong May 11, kaya pala nandun yung NBI, kaya pala pinapasok nung mga nasa majority ng nun at nasa minority ngayon, ayaw nila magkaroon ng palitan ng leadership.”
Cayetano said the walkout was meant to stop certain senators from participating in votes that could have altered the Senate majority configuration.
He also alleged that pressure tactics, including offers and political bargaining, were used over the past weeks to influence alignments within the chamber.
Cayetano further claimed that discussions surrounding the impeachment proceedings were being used as justification for the standoff, while the underlying issue involved efforts to halt hearings in the Blue Ribbon Committee and other legislative investigations.
Members of the minority bloc have previously argued that procedural concerns and disputes over rules prompted their actions, including calls related to online participation and Senate voting processes.
Cayetano also warned against what he described as attempts to undermine the independence of the Senate, stressing the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
He said the legislature must remain independent from outside influence, whether from the executive branch or internal political blocs.
“Para siguraduhin na mapagsilbihan kayo ng bagong majority, we want to make sure that kahit anong gawin ng outside forces, maging administrasyon o yung 11, nandyan yung 13 or at the very least 12," he said.
Referring to the chamber’s current composition, Cayetano cited a near-even split in numbers among senators, arguing that even small shifts or absences could alter control of committees and the legislative agenda.
He said the Senate should prioritize public concerns such as employment, inflation, and basic services, adding that institutional disputes should not derail legislative work.
