Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano called on members of the Senate minority to stand firm in defending the independence of the chamber, stressing that the institution must remain free from outside influence and internal political pressures.
In a statement addressed to his colleagues in the minority bloc, Cayetano emphasized that the Senate is a co-equal branch of government and should not be treated as a “prize to be claimed.”
“The Senate is a co-equal branch of government. It is not a prize to be claimed—by anyone,” Cayetano said. “Events of the past few days may have blurred this distinction, but what happened with one of our colleagues today brings it sharply back into focus.”
He underscored that while differences in leadership and internal disagreements are part of legislative dynamics, such matters must be resolved within the institution itself.
“That we differ on the leadership of the Senate is not in question. And it is a fair point of discussion. But no matter our disagreements, we must all agree that it is the Senate’s own business to settle,” he said.
Cayetano also warned against external interference, stressing that the chamber is accountable only to the Constitution, God, and the Filipino people.
“This chamber answers to GOD and the people who sent us here, and to no one outside these walls,” he added.
He further cautioned that the independence of the Senate should not be treated as a bargaining tool, saying such actions would weaken democratic institutions.
“The independence of this institution, and the legal standing of any of its members, are not currencies. The day they become things to be traded, is the day that the Senate is diminished. And after the Senate, the Republic,” he said.
Cayetano concluded by urging the minority to consider a collective stand, suggesting a symbolic act of unity through restraint.
“So I put one question to you, not as the majority but as the chamber: will you stand for the Senate’s independence?” he asked, adding a call for the chamber to “go quiet, together and by choice” as a form of institutional protest and reflection.
