Senator Erwin Tulfo revealed on Monday that his bloc is actively negotiating with two more senators to join their ranks in an effort to secure a quorum, resume legislative sessions, and pass pending bills.
In an interview, Tulfo shared that they are in talks with one male and one female lawmaker currently aligned with the minority bloc of embattled Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
He clarified, however, that no official agreements have been reached yet.
“May hinihikayat na aside from Sen. Joel (Villanueva), may dalawa pa sa lalaki at sa babae kung mahihikayat. Pero ongoing naman yung usapan bilang magkakaibigan,” Tulfo said.
According to Tulfo, these efforts are being made through informal gatherings, such as private dinners and personal visits, to encourage colleagues back to the plenary floor.
Among those being reached out to is Senator Joel Villanueva, who has expressed readiness to attend a special session but has not committed to backing the new majority’s choice for leadership.
“Kami po nagpapasalamat in advance kay Sen. Joel for sabi niya na mag-aattend siya kung may special session at sana pati yung iba na rin ay umattend na rin siguro para tapos magampanan namin yung aming mga trabaho,” Tulfo said.
“Pero yung mag-boboto siya ng Senate President, wala pang linaw. So nakaantabay lamang kami.”
Tulfo maintained that their main goal is to fulfill their legislative duties rather than simply expanding their political coalition.
“Ang kailangan lang namin pumasok sila para magkaroon tayo ng sesyon matapos yung mga panukalang batas,” he added.
However, the lawmaker admitted that convening a full session is being complicated by external pressures. He noted that some colleagues hesitate to return due to fear of intense public backlash from social media personalities and political critics.
“May isa na ang gusto nila magtrabaho pero dahil nga itong grupo na ito, ang problema niya baka siya ay talagang mabubugbog ng mga basher, mga vlogger, mga troll,” he said, adding that even the families of some lawmakers are urging them to go back to work.
Despite the ongoing political friction, Tulfo emphasized that personal relationships among senators remain intact.
“Maski na nag-aaway nang gano’n, magbabarkada eh… At the end of the day nag-uusap naman sila,” he remarked.
While there is anticipation for a potential special session—a move requested by Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian—Malacañang has indicated that the chamber must resolve its leadership divide first.
Tulfo acknowledged that the authority to call a special session rests solely with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., leaving the Senate in a holding pattern for now.