Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson expressed hope on Sunday that the ongoing leadership dispute within the Senate will be formalized and resolved, particularly if a special session is called.
During a radio interview, Lacson emphasized the need for a definitive resolution but noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet made an official call for a special session.
“Kailangan ma-resolve talaga ‘yung officially, formally ‘yung leadership kung sino ang Senate president, and I hope ma-resolve ‘yan in case magtawag ng special session,” Lacson remarked.
The leadership crisis within the upper chamber intensified on June 3 when Senator Win Gatchalian was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore and subsequently designated as acting Senate President following the verification of a quorum.
The election took place despite the absence of a bloc led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who skipped the session to protest what he characterized as a threat to the independence of the institution. Cayetano, however, maintains that he remains the “legitimate, legal, moral Senate President.”
Addressing concerns over potential disruptions within the chamber, Lacson assured the public that the Senate is fully prepared for any scenario.
“Nakahanda kami, at nakahanda kami sa mga contingency in case na mangyari ‘yun na manggulo siya. Mayroon na kaming pinag-uusapan,” he noted.
Lacson also challenged Cayetano to return to the Senate floor and air his grievances through proper legislative channels instead of using digital platforms.
“‘Wag manggulo. Makilahok, tapos kung ano ipinaglalaban nila, sa floor namin pag-usapan, ‘wag sa Facebook kasi hindi namin siya made-debate sa Facebook. Ang pwede, sa plenaryo,” Lacson urged.