NOT FROM MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA
Contrary to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's claim, it was not members of the media who applauded and cheered for him during his press conference at the Senate on Thursday, but rather his own staff and several guests in attendance.
"First time akong napalakpakan ng media, walang bayad 'yon," he said after claiming that he had managed to unite various political groups, which he alleged are now aligned with the administration.
Cayetano also maintained that he remains Senate president, despite the recognition by Malacañang and the House of Representatives of Senator Win Gatchalian’s leadership as acting Senate president. | via Malou Escudero/Pilipino Star Ngayon
🚨 Senator Erwin Tulfo will invite the “18 Marites”, Melvin Matibag, and Boying Remulla in Monday’s Blue Ribbon hearing.
Intense!
But they should add Leila De Lima, Trillanes, and Fr. Flavie as well so that they can confront the “18 Marites” face to face. 👊
💥
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.
Imagine ah:
✅ 3 Former Senate Presidents with 8 years of experience in total being as Senate Presidents has spoken that it is lawful and within the Rules of The Senate
✅ The Lower House of Congress (House of Representatives) recognizing its lawfulness
✅ The Malacañang Palace (Executive) recognizing its lawfulness
✅ A landmark Supreme Court precedent that was used multiple times in the Senate Plenary
✅ The Integrated Bar of The Philippines saying its lawful
Ano pa ba kulang para paniwalaan ng lahat na quorum can be 12, if the active Senate membership is 23.
‘THE SENATE SESSION OF JUNE 3, 2026 WAS LAWFUL AND VALID'
READ: The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) issues a statement on what constitutes a legitimate quorum for the Senate to conduct official business following the June 3 Senate session, saying the 1949 Avelino v. Cuenco ruling is applicable.
“One senator cannot be compelled to attend the session because he is detained in relation to a non-bailable offense. While another senator cannot be found, as in fact, his whereabouts appear to be unknown since May 11, 2026,” it reads.
“As such, they were excluded from the count of the members used to determine quorum.” | 📷: IBP
LUISTRO: HOUSE PROSECUTORS TO FOLLOW NEW SENATE LEADERSHIP IN VP SARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
Amid developments in the #impeachment proceedings against Vice President #Sara#Duterte, Lead Prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro said the House prosecution panel will recognize and follow the #Senate leadership acknowledged by the House of Representatives.
“We will be following the instruction order which will be coming from the new leadership,” Luistro said, referring to Acting Senate President Win #Gatchalian.
@News5PH
SENATE BACK TO WORK FOR THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
We express our deep appreciation and commend the courageous decision of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero to take the floor today and confront the issues facing the institution. His action sent a clear message: that his commitment to the country, to the Senate, and to the Constitution would prevail above all else.
His presence enabled the Senate to proceed with the discussion of matters that are too important to be left unresolved and too consequential to be set aside.
On the issue of quorum, this is not an uncharted matter. The Supreme Court, in Avelino v. Cuenco, recognized the principle that a quorum of 12 is determined based on the number of members who are legally able to discharge the functions of the Senate.
There is likewise an institutional precedent. In 2015, the Senate recognized a quorum of 12 senators who were within its jurisdiction. The Senate continued to perform its constitutional duties because the work of government could not be placed on hold.
At a time when the nation faces pressing challenges, the Filipino people expect their Senate to work, deliberate, and fulfill its constitutional mandate. The institution cannot remain stalled by disagreements or uncertainty. Our duty is clear: to legislate, provide oversight, and serve the public interest.
The Filipino people deserve a Senate that shows up, does its job, and places public service above politics.
It is time for the Senate to move forward and get back to work for the Filipino people.
House recognizes Sen. Gatchalian as Acting President of the Senate.
Now, Malacañang's turn to recognize Gatchalian.
@DeusXMachina14@QuingAndre
https://t.co/11byXovois
WATCH: Malacañang welcomes the new Senate leadership under Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.
Palace press officer Claire Castro: “Ang nangyari sa Senado ngayong hapon ay naaayon sa batas at rule of law.”
“Kinikilala at nirerespeto ng Palasyo ang desisyon ng bagong mayorya at ang liderato ni Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.” | @dexcabalzaINQ /PDI
READ RELATED STORY: https://t.co/2Wt29wIbmR
“Miss Karen ang problema puro siya Facebook LIVE, baka gusto niya maging vlogger na lamang?
May oras siya sa pag-vlog pero yung mga gawain niya bilang Senate President hindi niya magampanan? Sayang Miss Karen ang pa-sweldo sa kanya ng sambayanan”
GET HIM SENATOR ERWIN!!! LOUDER!!!! 😌✨