The Senate minority group expressed strong disapproval after majority lawmakers failed to attend the scheduled plenary session on Monday, June 1, a move they argue halted legislative work and stalled critical bills.
In a collective statement, the Solid Bloc 11 highlighted that its members arrived for the 5 p.m. session fully prepared to deliberate on pending laws and execute their duties.
However, they pointed out that senators from the majority bloc, headed by the Senate President, were noticeably absent without offering any official explanation.
“The Solid Bloc 11 minority senators were present today for the 5 p.m. resumption of session, ready to work, ready to vote on pending bills and ready to keep the Senate running, but the majority led by SP Cayetano chose not to show up,” the statement read.
The minority faction explained that the absence of a quorum left the chamber powerless to push forward essential legislation, such as the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, the Anti-Hospital Detention Bill, various citizenship applications, and pending confirmations under the Commission on Appointments.
“Important measures were left hanging because of the majority’s boycott,” the group said.
Furthermore, the opposition dismissed claims that the walkout was an act of preserving the Senate’s independence.
Instead, they countered that the move was directly tied to the recent arrest of a fellow senator, alongside lingering disputes over accountability and due process.
“This is not Senate independence but a boycott of duty,” they said.
Insisting that government operations must transcend political friction, the minority lawmakers demanded that Senate leadership immediately resume sessions.
They reiterated that public servants owe it to their constituents to show up and fulfill their legislative mandates.
“Ang Senado ay hindi pag-aari ng iisang may hawak ng gavel. Institusyon ito ng taumbayan,” the statement added.
Ultimately, the group called on the electorate to stay vigilant regarding the upper chamber’s activities, warning that continued gridlocks could cripple lawmaking efficiency and erode trust in the institution.