Legarda: Respect new Senate leadership

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda on Wednesday called on her fellow senators to respect the newly elected Senate leadership, but continued to insist that the June 3 proceedings that removed her as Senate president pro tempore were “unconstitutional.”

Legarda issued the statement, saying her stance on the alleged unconstitutionality of the June 3 proceedings was not driven by questions of power, but her belief that it was invalid under the 1987 Constitution.

“Now that 13 Senators have clearly made that decision, I respectfully implore my fellow Senators to give this matter due respect and allow this institution to move forward,” said Legarda.

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“Let us now continue the important work entrusted to us by the Filipino people,” she added.

Legarda then further stressed that her recognition of the results of Wednesday’s special session—wherein Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian has officially been elected as Senate president—does not change this stance, “rather, the election before us today stands on its own constitutional footing and operates prospectively from this point forward.”

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She then reiterated her hope that the Supreme Court, through the petition filed by the minority bloc, will provide guidance on this subject.

This, the senator said, would help prevent similar controversies, especially regarding voting thresholds and numerical requirements, including those that may arise in impeachment.

Legarda then extended her congratulations to Gatchalian, as well as Sen. Tito Sotto on his election as Senate president pro tempore, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on his election as majority floor leader.

“I wish them success in leading this institution and in advancing the work of the Senate for the benefit of the Filipino people,” she said. /cb