Unique Times

Alan Cayetano Remains Senate Leader: Majority Bloc Fully United Without Betrayal

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that the 13-member majority bloc in the Senate remains solid amidst talks of possible leadership changes.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano stated on Monday that the 13-member majority bloc in the Philippine Senate maintains its unity despite rumors about a potential shift in leadership within the chamber. Cayetano emphasized the cohesion of the group by saying, “The 13 [majority] are intact. Among the 13, there is no betrayal.” The term ‘onsehan’ used by Cayetano refers to betrayal or disloyalty within the group.

Over the weekend, speculation arose about possible changes in Senate leadership after Senators Francis Pangilinan, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III showed support for Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, a potential candidate for the next Senate president. Senator Risa Hontiveros also expressed backing for Gatchalian, noting it would benefit the Senate.

The majority bloc includes Cayetano and Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Camille Villar, and Mark Villar.

The minority bloc consists of 11 senators, including Hontiveros, Gatchalian, Pangilinan, Lacson, Sotto, Bam Aquino, Lito Lapid, Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Zubiri confirmed ongoing discussions between minority senators and some members of the majority bloc but acknowledged they have not yet secured enough votes for a Senate leadership “coup” to replace Cayetano. He described the situation as still tense and stressed the need to calm emotions and continue talks.

Zubiri also said the minority bloc supports Gatchalian as Senate leader, praising his leadership as Finance Committee Chair for transparency and consultation. They hope to gain additional support from the majority bloc.

Sources referenced:

Exit mobile version