This is an AI-generated summary, which may contain errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
I hope, the Senate teleserye will make everyone see the very bad choices that were made, and in 2028 onwards, not to make the same mistakes.
Is the current Senate an institution that leaders like Claro M. Recto, Lorenzo Tañada, Jose W. Diokno, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Jovito Salonga, Nene Pimentel, Miriam Santiago, Rene Saguisag, Joker Arroyo, or Frank Drilon would recognize today? (READ: Families of Pre-Martial Law senators speak out: ‘This is not the Senate we knew‘)
It’s obviously a ridiculous question.
Wednesday’s political debate saw former minority senators – Tito Sotto, Bam Aquino, Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Ping Lacson, Lito Lapid, Kiko Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Migz Zubiri – present. joined by Chiz Escudero for form a “legal” quorum and elect a new president pro tempore. That pro heat, Gatchalianwho had already been announced as the possible president of the Senate, is now the acting president of the Senate. They create many new ones. Given the excitement of things, we are never sure what will happen next.
Justice reporter Jairo Bolledo explains the rationale behind this counterargument which was based on the so-called Avelino doctrine of 1949. Basically, the Supreme Court at the time ruled on:
- the validity of the quorum of 12 of the 23 senators (one was abroad, and the other who was hospitalized was counted as part of the 23 senators)
- legality of actions taken by 12
Read more here about the then president of the Senate Jose D. Avelino and how he led a march of 10 senators to prevent Tañada from giving a speech that would criticize him. There are obvious parallels between this 1949 incident and yesterday’s tactical moves in the Senate.
Back to May 11, when Sotto was fired as Senate president. A series of major events saw Senator Bato dela Rosa evading arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court and the Senator Jinggoy Estrada was arrested for booty.
Cayetano’s camp retaliated by boycotting the session on June 1, of course paralyzing the Senate because there was no quorum to do any business. By June 2, an 11-11 deadlock in the Senate it seemed, even if Cayetano used dirty tricks, turn off the air conditioner and Wi-Fi in the meeting hall. With several days left before the postponement of the sine die, it became imperative for the Sotto camp to act.
Philippine politics is not short of words. Cayetano, for example, started their boycott as a fight for the independence of the Senate. The other camp has emphasized that it is about following the rules and the rule of law. Preposterous to to amend the existing rules of the Senate allow online voting, as Senator Rodante Marcoleta wanted, under “acceptable” conditions. This was clearly intended to allow Dela Rosa to vote during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. It’s a question that could arise, after all, for one whose political career will be cut short if convicted.
Cayetano has not volunteered for the presidency of the Senate, insisting in a Facebook post that he is the “lawful, legal and moral president of the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines.” Pia announced that the blue ribbon committee under the leadership of her sister Pia will continue its scheduled session today. It was done, and Marcoleta was allowed to lead. Meanwhile, the chairman of the blue ribbon committee recognized in the camp, Erwin Tulfo, has rescheduled his hearing to Monday, June 8.
Citing the Constitution and the required number of senators to elect a new Senate president, Cayetano said he would voluntarily resign if the other camp gets 13. Based on his track record, he is. He is not one to accept defeat easily and easily. Will the Gatchalian camp get the 13 magic that will make him the Senate president?
Those in the know say the green light has been given for tougher, no-holds-barred measures against perceived enemies of the regime, especially those who have committed grave sins of corruption. Why it took so long is beyond me. I can only guess that there might be a fear of accidentally shooting yourself in the foot. Whose foot? I think yours is as good as mine.
But we are in the middle of 2026, a little less than two years before the next presidential election. Experienced hands have said that preparation for the tournament requires a minimum of three years of running. There is no time to waste.
Many have also been saying – like a broken record – that we are getting the leaders we deserve. Hopefully, the teleserye Senate will make everyone see the very bad choices that were made, and in 2028 onwards, not to make the same mistakes. Otherwise, the brilliant former senators will be twisting and turning in their graves.
See you next Thursday!
– Rappler.com
Rappler Investigates is a monthly newsletter of our top picks delivered straight to your inbox every other Thursday. Visit rappler.com/newsletters register.
