A private school teacher has elevated the ongoing Senate leadership dispute to the Supreme Court, filing a petition that seeks formal recognition of Senator Win Gatchalian’s appointment to key leadership positions following the chamber’s recent reorganization.
In a 20-page petition for certiorari submitted on Friday, petitioner Barry Tayam urged the High Court to validate the June 3 Senate session—which was attended by 12 lawmakers—and declare all its resolutions legally binding.
Tayam explained that he sought judicial intervention to resolve the public confusion stemming from conflicting interpretations of the Senate’s leadership status.
“Kasi nagkakagulo pati yung mga tao sa social media. Pati yung ibang mga legal expert nakakagulo sila,” Tayam told reporters.
“Nasa Supreme Court naman yung final say. Ang motivation ko sana maayos na Senate kasi sila yung nakakapigil ng mga dapat umusog na batas,” he added.
Beyond verifying the legality of the June 3 session, Tayam also petitioned the Supreme Court to rule on whether Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, and Loren Legarda committed grave abuse of discretion during the leadership impasse.
The legal challenge stems from a controversial reorganization earlier this week, where a newly formed majority bloc established a 12-member quorum. The group declared major leadership posts and committee chairmanships vacant before electing a new roster of officers.
The shakeup led to the election of Senator Win Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President, effectively resolving a two-day stalemate that had paralyzed legislative operations.
The political shift materialized after Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero attended the session, delivering the decisive vote needed to secure a quorum despite the absence of lawmakers allied with Cayetano.
However, Alan Peter Cayetano continues to contest the legitimacy of the reorganization, insisting that he remains the rightful head of the Senate.
In tandem, Legarda maintains that she still holds the title of Senate President Pro Tempore, refusing to recognize Gatchalian’s election.
The ongoing rift has paralyzed regular committee functions.
On Thursday, Senator Pia Cayetano pushed forward with a hearing on controversial flood control projects, disregarding the reorganization that had already installed Senator Erwin Tulfo as the new chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
The Supreme Court has yet to issue a statement or action regarding the petition.