Senator Kiko Pangilinan on Monday slammed a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing conducted by allies of embattled Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, declaring the June 4 proceedings unlawful and legally invalid.
Speaking at a committee session led by the newly appointed chairperson, Senator Erwin Tulfo, Pangilinan argued that the previous hearing lacked legitimacy right from the start.
“The so-called blue ribbon committee hearing conducted last Thursday, June 4, was illegal void ab initio, and had no binding effect.”
Pangilinan defended the leadership changes approved during the June 3 Senate plenary session, insisting they followed proper parliamentary procedures and stripped the former committee leadership of its authority.
“The June 3 session convened by 12 senators was in compliance with the Constitution, the rules of the Senate and jurisprudence, and 12 being a quorum, all acts pertaining to the official business of the Senate in plenary on June 3 are deemed lawful.”
According to the lawmaker, the Senate leadership transition and committee overhaul have already been recognized by key institutions, including the Office of the President, the House of Representatives, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, constitutional experts, and former Senate presidents.
The leadership dispute peaked on June 4 when Senator Pia Cayetano proceeded with an inquiry into an alleged flood control corruption scheme.
Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian had strongly objected to the move, stating the inquiry lacked official authorization.
During that controversial hearing, members of the “18 maleta boys”—who claim to be former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co—presented allegations regarding kickbacks from flood control projects, claiming cash-filled suitcases were delivered to various officials.
Pangilinan explained that Monday’s session under the reorganized panel served as a transitional consultation to ensure continuity while the committee finalized its structure.
“The purpose is to facilitate the orderly transition and continuity of the committee’s work pending the completion of its reorganization and membership and formal constitution of the committee.”