Manila: The Senate leadership dispute is not a choice between the Marcos and Duterte camps as many Filipinos want independent, issue-based governance rather than loyalty to political blocs, Senator Bam Aquino said Tuesday. In an interview on ANC's Headstart, Aquino said the current public narrative that officials must be either pro-Marcos or pro-Duterte is misleading and does not reflect what many citizens are looking for from the government.

According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino described the notion of a binary choice between the Marcos and Duterte groups as the "biggest lie being sold to the public." He emphasized that many Filipinos do not align themselves with either camp, preferring leaders who independently assess issues and prioritize public welfare.

Aquino elaborated that a significant number of Filipinos are positioned in the middle, seeking solutions and assistance from a Senate and government that genuinely serve their needs. He highlighted the public's demand for leadership that responds to their problems, rather than focusing on political affiliations or allegiances.

The senator also pointed to the recent earthquake in Mindanao as a reminder that government efforts should transcend political divisions. Aquino stressed that the public is more concerned with effective governance that addresses their concerns.

Highlighting the stance of the bloc led by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, Aquino called for a return to a "sense of normalcy" in the Senate, focusing on necessary reforms and legislative work. He advocated for a Senate environment that prioritizes working on reforms for the Filipino people, rather than engaging in constant conflicts and drama.

Aquino noted that the Senate leadership change stemmed from the failure to hold sessions for three consecutive days, a situation he said was hard for many senators and Senate employees to accept. He defended the Gatchalian bloc's position, referencing jurisprudence and Senate precedents, including the 1949 Avelino v. Cuenco ruling and historical quorum practices.