A group of former Senate Presidents has called on current members of the upper chamber to resolve their internal conflicts and return to their legislative duties, following an escalating leadership feud that has disrupted the institution.
In a joint statement, former Senate Leaders Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Franklin Drilon, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri urged incumbent senators to cast aside political rifts and stop engaging in public bickering, which they warned is damaging public confidence in the Senate.
The veteran statesmen emphasized that any disagreements ought to be settled through formal legislative proceedings where arguments can be systematically debated and examined, instead of being aired out in the media.
“We urge all members of the chamber to resolve this crisis swiftly, within the bounds of the Constitution, the rules, and long-standing practice,” they said.
The former leaders also cautioned that the internal turmoil in the chamber is happening at a precarious moment for the country, pointing to looming economic issues, security vulnerabilities, and declining public faith in government offices.
“The country cannot afford an unstable Senate at a time of mounting economic pressures, security threats, and growing public distrust in institutions,” they added.
Furthermore, the group reminded the lawmakers that holding a leadership position is about reinforcing the institution rather than maintaining personal power. They noted that the duty of a Senate leader is “not cling to office, but to leave the institution stronger, more respected, and more firmly bound to the rule of law than when he or she found it.”
This collective appeal comes in the wake of an ongoing leadership standoff between Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
The friction peaked during Wednesday’s session when 12 senators attended—boosted by the unannounced arrival of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero—which successfully met the quorum requirements and led to Gatchalian being elected as Senate President Pro Tempore.
Cayetano has since challenged the validity of the reorganization, labeling the leadership transition as an “illegal maneuver,” which has further deepened the division within the upper house.