Manila: Senator Alan Peter Cayetano announced on Wednesday that he would not obstruct a new Senate leadership vote, while maintaining that the legality of the June 3 proceedings remains a constitutional question before the Supreme Court. In a detailed Facebook post, Cayetano stated that after discussions with Senator Joel Villanueva, the 'arithmetic has changed,' highlighting the fluid nature of leadership in a democracy.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cayetano expressed his view that leadership positions are temporary and congratulated whoever the chamber lawfully elects, offering his cooperation. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed his bloc's stance that the June 3 session, which reorganized the Senate, lacked the constitutionally required quorum and was therefore void.
Cayetano articulated that his objection was not against the Senate's right to select its leaders but with the process of leadership transition. He emphasized the need for a proper vote with a legitimate quorum, pledging to respect the outcome under those conditions.
He extended gratitude to senators who stood with his bloc, specifically naming Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta for prioritizing principle over power. Cayetano clarified that the leadership dispute was focused on uncovering truths regarding alleged anomalies in flood-control funds meant for community protection.
Cayetano committed to continuing the pursuit of accountability in the matter of the flood-control funds, irrespective of his position in the Senate. During the June 17 special session called by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., he expressed support for measures aiding Mindanao's recovery from a recent earthquake but criticized the agenda for omitting certain priority measures previously identified by the administration.
"I will be among the first to back the measures before us to help Mindanao rise from the earthquake -- to fund the relief and the rebuilding of broken communities is exactly what a Senate is for, and it has my vote without hesitation," he stated.
