Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday acknowledged that the bloc aligned with Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian had secured the numbers needed to install a new Senate President, signaling a smooth transition ahead of the chamber’s special session.
In a Facebook post, Cayetano said he would not block the election of a new Senate leader, stressing that he harbored no resentment toward colleagues who shifted support to the emerging majority.
He described the development as part of a broader political reality inside the chamber, where senators ultimately had to respond to prevailing numbers.
“To our brother who, in the end, felt he had no choice but to make peace with the new reality, I hold no bitterness toward you,” Cayetano said. “We are not enemies — only colleagues, brothers caught in a moment larger than us all.”
Cayetano earlier signaled that he would respect the outcome if at least 13 senators aligned with the Gatchalian bloc, the minimum required to elect a new Senate President.
While he said he would accept being unseated, Cayetano raised concerns over what he described as external influence on internal Senate affairs, arguing that leadership changes should remain strictly within the chamber’s independent processes.
“The independence of the Senate is not a courtesy the Executive may grant or withdraw at will,” he said, warning against perceived interference that could weaken the institution’s constitutional autonomy.
He added that the ongoing political dispute was not about positions but about accountability, linking it to unresolved issues surrounding alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Cayetano also questioned the timing and purpose of the special session called by the President, saying priority measures appeared unready for passage and that legislative work had been overshadowed by political negotiations.
Despite his objections, Cayetano said he would support the incoming leadership on urgent matters, including assistance for victims of the recent major earthquake in Mindanao.
He maintained that efforts to uncover alleged irregularities would continue regardless of leadership changes.
“I promise you, we will get to the bottom of this. We will find the masterminds. We will hold them accountable,” he said.
Meanwhile, several senators expressed readiness to move forward under the new leadership. Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said the Senate must respect the decision of the majority and focus on legislative work.
“Tapos na po. So, let’s move on with the new leadership,” Go said, adding that he hopes lawmakers can now prioritize measures for the public.
Sen. Imee Marcos, when asked about the leadership change, declined to give a direct assessment, saying only: “Gusto lang nating mag-trabaho.”
Cayetano also thanked senators who remained with his bloc, saying public office and leadership positions are temporary, but accountability to the public remains constant as the chamber transitions to a new majority.