The Philippine Senate was in chaos on Thursday as opposing factions traded barbs over legitimacy and control, with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's camp branding a hearing conducted by some minority colleagues as 'bogus' and a 'naked grab for power'. Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda insisted that she remains the Senate president pro tempore, while Senator Rodante Marcoleta accused the Sherwin Gatchalian-led bloc of sabotaging a probe. The NBI revealed an alleged bribery involving former Congressman Mike Defensor and the '18 ex-Marines'. The Senate remained chaotic as senators from both sides refused to back down.
The Philippine Senate was in disarray on Thursday as opposing factions traded barbs over legitimacy and control. The new Senate majority bloc, led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano , branded a hearing conducted by some minority colleagues as 'bogus' and a 'naked grab for power'.
The hearing, led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, was declared invalid by Cayetano's camp, with Senator Jinggoy Estrada rejecting the quorum of a slim majority. Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Rep. Julio Ledesma IV called Cayetano a 'disgrace to the Senate' after Cayetano led a boycott that left the chamber paralyzed. Cayetano, in response, called on Senate employees to clarify which leadership they will follow, noting that his successor has not yet been elected.
Senator Loren Legarda insisted that she remains the Senate president pro tempore, despite Gatchalian's election to the post on Wednesday. Senator Rodante Marcoleta accused the Gatchalian-led bloc of sabotaging the Blue Ribbon Committee's flood-control probe, calling them 'promoters of bending the law'. The NBI revealed that former Congressman Mike Defensor allegedly bribed the '18 ex-Marines' to provide testimony regarding the flood control anomalies.
Meanwhile, Senator Pia Cayetano claimed that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla attempted to block her from entering the Senate, while Gatchalian authorized Senate employees to leave the office starting 10 a.m. Cayetano questioned why Blue Ribbon Committee resource persons were barred from entering the Senate, noting that guests are allowed and that the Senate President controls the premises under the rules. The Senate remained chaotic as senators from both sides refused to back down, leaving the future of the chamber uncertain
Philippine Senate Senate Leadership Sherwin Gatchalian Alan Peter Cayetano Loren Legarda Rodante Marcoleta Mike Defensor NBI Bribery Flood Control Anomalies
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