Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday called on Malacañang to help a rival faction secure the vote of one more senator to ensure a legally sound transition of power, amid a bitter leadership dispute that has fractured the chamber.
During a hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee, which is currently chaired by his allies, Cayetano expressed his willingness to step down from the Senate’s top post, provided the transition adheres strictly to constitutional rules.
“So eto lang pakiusap ko sa Malacañang. Kumuha kayo ng isa pang Senador para sa special session (at) bumaba na ako bilang Senate President para wala na tayong problema,” Cayetano said.
His statements followed a swift move by an opposing group of lawmakers to reorganize the Senate roster. The shift happened after the unexpected appearance of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, whose presence allowed the “Solid Bloc 11″—led by Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III—to successfully establish a quorum.
With a quorum declared, Sotto’s faction voted to declare key leadership seats vacant and subsequently elected Senator Win Gatchalian as the new Senate President Pro Tempore.
However, Cayetano, who maintains the backing of a bloc aligned with Vice President Sara Duterte, countered that the rival group still falls short of the 13 votes constitutionally mandated to legally unseat and replace an incumbent Senate President.
“Kung pwede lang … na bumaba ako today … gusto ko nang bumaba today as Senate President,” Cayetano said.
“Ang problema, I have a duty to the Filipino people and to the Philippine Constitution. Ang nakalagay until your successor is elected,” he added.
Prior to Thursday’s developments, legislative operations had ground to a halt due to a two-day deadlock after Cayetano and his supporting senators boycotted plenary sessions just before the 20th Congress was scheduled to adjourn sine die.
Cayetano also took aim at the executive branch, criticizing what he claimed were Malacañang-backed efforts to force a leadership shakeup without following proper legal protocols.
“So Malacañang, ‘yun lang advise ko sa inyo. Hintayin niyo na maka-trese, tawagin niyo ‘yong special session, pwede siguro tayong magpahiram ng isa para makatrese na sila because I hate the fact that we’re in a situation that we cannot follow the law,” he added.