A group of law deans, juridical scholars, and political theorists has defended the process behind the recent change in Senate leadership, arguing that democratic institutions must remain functional and accountable.
In a statement, the group said democracy is not governed by “rigid arithmetic” alone but by ensuring that institutions remain capable of performing their duties effectively.
The statement comes amid continued claims from the camp of Alan Peter Cayetano that the designation of Win Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore was not legal due to quorum issues.
Echoing arguments made by several political figures, the scholars cited the Supreme Court ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco, which also served as the basis for the Solid Bloc-12’s move to reorganize the Senate leadership.
The group noted that with Jinggoy Estrada under detention and Ronald dela Rosa reportedly in hiding, only 23 senators were effectively available.
According to the scholars, since 12 of the 23 senators supported Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore, there is no longer a valid basis for a leader to continue claiming authority if he can rely on only 11 votes—including his own—while the majority of Senate members have withdrawn their support.
The group urged lawmakers to act as statesmen and return to their legislative duties.
They also called on senators to immediately resume Senate proceedings, particularly the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“We call on our legislators to act as true statesmen and to return to the urgent business to which the Senate must attend, among the most important of which is the conduct of the impeachment trial of the Vice-President. We call on those who have so far caused the Senate sessions to stall to desist from derailing the trial of the Vice-President,” the group said.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Senate of the Philippines)
