The leadership style of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has contributed to the growing tensions and instability within the Senate, according to political analyst Julio Teehankee, who observed that the chamber has experienced an unusual level of conflict since a new majority bloc took control.
Speaking in a television interview, the De La Salle University political science professor said the Senate has been marked by frequent controversies and internal disputes following the leadership transition that elevated Cayetano to the chamber’s top post.
“Ever since the new Senate majority took over the Senate, there has not been a dearth of any drama or frustration or any events, or yung tinatawag nating ganap sa Senado, (or what we call happenings in the Senate,)” Teehankee said.
“Halos araw-araw na lang may nangyayaring kaganapan na ganito, (Almost every day, something like this happens,)” he added.
Teehankee noted that the recent atmosphere in the Senate is a departure from the institution’s traditional image as a deliberative and collegial body, where disagreements are typically managed through consensus-building and parliamentary decorum.
Drawing from his decades of studying Philippine politics, he said the current dynamics within the chamber are unlike anything he has previously witnessed.
“Never have I seen in my long years of study of Philippine politics… yung high school style na ‘Let’s divide the house’ or ‘I close the nomination.’ Yan yung mga galawan nung mga batang politiko,” he said.
The political scientist attributed much of the unrest to what he described as Cayetano’s confrontational approach to leadership, saying it differs significantly from the styles of past Senate presidents.
“We have seen under the current Senate president… palaaway. (combative.) And that has been his mark in politics,” Teehankee said.
His remarks came as senators remained divided over a proposal allowing remote participation and online voting during Senate proceedings. The issue recently triggered a walkout by members of the minority bloc and further exposed divisions within the chamber.
The Senate has likewise been dealing with a series of legal and political controversies involving several lawmakers, including the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and corruption complaints filed against members of the majority coalition.
The developments have fueled concerns over increasing polarization within the Senate, raising questions about the chamber’s ability to maintain unity and effectively carry out its legislative responsibilities amid mounting political tensions.