MANILA, Philippines — The 11-member Senate minority bloc criticized the chamber’s majority leadership on Monday after senators aligned with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano failed to attend the scheduled 5 p.m. resumption of session following the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
In a joint statement, minority senators said they were present and prepared to conduct legislative business, vote on pending measures, and continue Senate proceedings. However, they claimed the majority bloc’s absence prevented the chamber from convening.
Among the measures affected by the missed session were the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, the Anti-Hospital Detention Bill, confirmations of military generals before the Commission on Appointments, and citizenship bills for Bennie Boatwright III and Matthew James Ramos.
“The Senate does not belong to a single individual holding the gavel. It is an institution that serves the Filipino people, and many important measures remain pending because of the majority’s actions,” the minority bloc said.
The senators also rejected Cayetano’s appeal for the Senate to temporarily remain “silent” as a statement on institutional independence. According to the minority, the chamber should continue functioning despite ongoing legal proceedings involving one of its members.
They argued that the Senate’s failure to convene was effectively a boycott linked to Estrada’s arrest in connection with a plunder case involving alleged flood control project anomalies.
“The public should not be misled into believing that inaction is a defense of Senate independence. The proper venue for expressing disagreement is on the Senate floor, through debate and legislative action,” the minority said.
The bloc further urged Senate leaders to reconvene the chamber and prioritize pending legislation, stressing that political disputes should not interfere with lawmakers’ duty to serve the public.
Cayetano Defends Call for Senate Independence
In a Facebook post, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano defended his position, emphasizing that the Senate is a co-equal branch of government and should be allowed to conduct its affairs without external pressure.
“To my colleagues in the Minority: The Senate is a co-equal branch of government. It is not a prize to be claimed by anyone,” Cayetano said.
He challenged minority senators to join the majority in demonstrating support for the institution’s independence following the issuance of an arrest warrant against Estrada.
Lacson Calls Absence ‘Dereliction of Duty’
Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, described the majority bloc’s failure to attend the session as a “dereliction of duty” rather than a stand for Senate independence.
“Standing up for the Senate’s independence does not place any senator above the law,” Lacson said in a post on X.
He argued that refusing to convene only prolongs legislative gridlock and delays the passage of important measures affecting the public.
Lacson also expressed hope that the Senate would regain public trust and restore its reputation as a respected institution.
“My only birthday wish is for the Senate to recover what is left of its integrity, dignity, reputation, and, most importantly, the public trust and confidence it once enjoyed,” he said.
The Senate’s next move remains under close watch as lawmakers face mounting pressure to address both legislative priorities and ongoing political tensions within the chamber.
