DID YOU KNOW?
On May 5, 2015, the 16th Congress of the Senate of the Philippines, then under the leadership of former Senate President Franklin Drilon, declared a quorum on their 69th session despite only having 12 out of 24 senators present.
Back then, four senators were out of the country and thus could not participate in the session, while three were detained and "physically unable to attend,"according to Sen. Drilon.
Eleven years later, during the 69th session of the 20th Congress’ First Regular Session on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 12 out of 22 senators declared a quorum and promulgated that all positions be declared vacant, including the Senate Presidency. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada was not present as he was detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, while Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s whereabouts were unknown since he was last seen leaving the Senate last May 14, 2026.
Senators in both instances include Sens. Alan Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Chiz Escudero, Lito Lapid, Tito Sotto, and Jinggoy Estrada.
VIDEO COURTESY: Senate of the Philippines/YouTube
Visit https://t.co/KqDTBMbm15 for more updates.