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Neil Jayson Servallos - The Philippine Star
May 28, 2026 | 12:00am
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano holds a press briefing at the Senate on Wednesday, claiming he did not know on Sunday night, May 10, whether Sen. Bato dela Rosa would come to the Senate.
The STAR / Ryan Baldemor
MANILA, Philippines — As doubts on the Senate’s ability to function deepen following the minority bloc’s walkout Tuesday night, ousting Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano would be the only way to untangle the current gridlock, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.
“Fresh start, then start fresh,” Lacson yesterday said when asked how the impasse could be resolved. Pressed whether this meant changing the Senate leadership, he said: “Yes.”
Tuesday’s walkout demonstrated the widening cracks between the 13-member majority and 11-member minority.
The rift, which began when Sen. Vicente Sotto III was ousted as Senate president last May 11, took a bizarre twist on May 13 when sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca fired his gun – purportedly as warning shot – at armed men allegedly trying to barge into the Senate premises.
The events have cast doubt on the chamber’s capability to perform its legislative duties as well as serve as a court for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Lacson, meanwhile, also thumbed down the majority’s maneuver to amend chamber rules to allow online sessions – a move widely seen as a lifeline for embattled lawmakers facing arrest. – Evelyn Macairan
