Senator Erwin Tulfo disclosed that at least three senators from the majority bloc appear open to joining the Senate minority group amid escalating tensions within the chamber.
In a television interview on Thursday, Tulfo said some lawmakers from the majority camp have shown signs that they may be willing to engage with the minority bloc led by Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
“So makikita mo, actually three people. So nakikita nila na pwedeng kausapin,” Tulfo said.
The senator pointed to noticeable changes in the behavior and body language of several majority members during Tuesday’s tense plenary proceedings.
The minority bloc, composed of 11 senators, staged a walkout on May 26 after objecting to an attempt by the majority to implement rules permitting remote voting for senators who may face detention.
Tulfo also said Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero could have valid reasons if he eventually decides to side with the minority bloc.
“Probably he has a very good reason to join the minority siguro, baka may makita siya na he believes what we believe in,” he added.
Escudero was absent from the plenary hall during the walkout incident.
Reports surfaced earlier that negotiations between the camps of Escudero and former Senate President Vicente Sotto III allegedly failed to settle on a proposed leadership arrangement before the regular session resumed.
Tulfo noted that any move by Escudero to formally join the minority would still be subject to the approval of the bloc’s senior members.
“The decisions usually are left, we leave it to the senior members of the minority,” he said.
Despite ongoing speculation, Tulfo maintained that the minority bloc remains united and that none of its members are expected to switch allegiance to the current Senate leadership.