Senators break impasse, elect Gatchalian as acting Senate chief

WITH a quorum of 12 senators, the Senate finally held a session on Wednesday, electing Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian as its leader in the absence of Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano, who led a two-day boycott that left the chamber ‐on the brink of a constitutional violation.‐

- Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel, Chloe Mari A. Hufana, and Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Senator Francis Joseph G. Escudero, who was absent since Monday, broke the 11-11 impasse after deciding to attend the last day of the 20th Congress’ second regular session, allowing lawmakers to declare all seats vacant.

‐The Senate had been adjourned and unable to resume session for the past two days placing us on the brink of constitutional violation, had we not convened today,‐ Mr. Gatchalian told the plenary after he was elected Senate president pro tempore.

‐Thus, in the absence of a duly consulted postponement and the continued absence of the former Senate president, president pro tempore, and members of the majority, we are compelled to call session to order.‐

Majority bloc senators opted out of the scheduled sessions since Monday, following Senator Jose ‐Jinggoy‐ P. Estrada, Jr.’s voluntary surrender to the police, in connection with plunder charges against him linked to the flood control scam.