The newly established Senate majority bloc lashed out at minority members on Thursday, accusing them of holding an unauthorized Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry into alleged flood control project irregularities, deepening the chamber’s leadership conflict.
In a sharp statement, the 12-member majority claimed that senators aligned with ousted Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano staged the proceedings without legal backing, ignoring the chamber’s formal reorganization earlier in the week.
“The Filipino people deserve senators who show up for work, not for drama,” the bloc declared.
Referencing Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian, the majority emphasized that no official committee hearings had been scheduled for the day.
“What we are seeing is a naked grab for power dressed up as ‘inquiry’ and ‘oversight.’ It is nothing more than a self-serving spectacle meant to cling to positions they have already lost in a valid and constitutional reorganization of the Senate,” the statement read.
The majority urged their minority counterparts to accept the new leadership structure and halt the proceedings immediately.
“The Senate’s mandate is to uphold the Constitution, check abuses, and pass laws for the people’s welfare. We urge our colleagues to abandon this bogus ‘hearing,’ respect the rules, the quorum, and the duly constituted leadership of the Senate,” it added.
Furthermore, the bloc alleged that Senate staff members faced intimidation during the incident.
“Even worse, they are reportedly threatening Senate employees with cases if they are not obeyed. These are civil servants who are simply trying to do their jobs in accordance with the law and the duly constituted leadership of the Senate,” the bloc said.
The political rift traces back to Wednesday’s dramatic leadership shakeup. After a two-day boycott by the former majority halted legislative business, 12 senators successfully formed a quorum.
A surprise appearance by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero provided the decisive vote needed to elect a new slate of chamber officers and committee chairpersons.