Cayetano: I am still the legitimate, legal, moral Senate president

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday said he remains the “legitimate, legal, and moral Senate president” following the Senate leadership reorganization.

“This is an illegal coup that comes with the trampling of our Constitution,” he said during a Facebook Live session.

With Senator Francis Escudero appearing on the Senate floor on Wednesday, a quorum was reached, allowing the final session before the sine die adjournment to proceed.

When Escudero arrived, providing the 12 senators needed to carry out the session and leadership reorganization, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian presided over the session as agreed by those present.

Sen. Tito Sotto III then moved to declare all Senate leadership positions vacant before nominating Gatchalian for Senate President Pro Tempore.

Gatchalian was not elected Senate president because the 1987 Constitution requires a senator to secure 13 votes to be seated in the position.

READ: Senate finally convenes amid alleged Cayetano-led group’s boycott

Cayetano alleged that the leadership reorganization was intended to stop the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing scheduled for Thursday, June 4, and prevent the 18 former Marines from being invited.

READ: Gatchalian elected Senate president pro tempore

However, he said, “Tomorrow (Thursday), the blue ribbon committee hearing will proceed. I am still the legitimate, legal, moral Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines.”

“Please don’t worry about us, my fellow Filipinos. I’m okay,” he added. /mcm