A two-day leadership standoff in the Senate ended on Wednesday after former Senate President Francis Escudero joined the chamber’s session, providing the numbers needed for a new majority bloc to reorganize key posts and restore the chamber’s ability to conduct business.
With 12 senators present, the chamber elected Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president pro-tempore and acting presiding officer, replaced several committee chairpersons, and formally adjourned sine die. The Senate also agreed to designate at a later date the presiding officer for the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The developments marked the first tangible show of strength by a reconfigured Senate majority, although its leaders stopped short of challenging Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, who was elected chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, told a news conference that the new majority does not yet have the 13 votes required to remove Cayetano. Still, he suggested the Senate president’s hold on power has weakened, noting that of his 11 fellow allies, one is in prison and another is in hiding to evade arrest, effectively shrinking his dependable voting bloc at a time of shifting alliances in the chamber.
The outcome underscored the fluid nature of Senate politics, where control of key committees and floor proceedings can matter as much as formal leadership positions. While Cayetano retained the Senate presidency, Wednesday’s reorganization showed that a majority coalition can still shape the chamber’s agenda without directly toppling its presiding officer.
In a separate statement, Escudero sought to downplay the political implications of his participation, saying he neither joined nor left any bloc and did not pass judgment on the actions of his colleagues.
Instead, he said his decision to attend the session was driven by the need to break the deadlock and allow the Senate to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
With Duterte’s impeachment trial looming and legislative business stalled for two days, Escudero’s appearance ultimately provided the crucial vote needed to move the chamber forward.
