SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano announced that his camp has elevated the ongoing leadership dispute within the Senate to the Supreme Court, filing a petition he described as a necessary step to safeguard the institution’s constitutional role and autonomy.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Cayetano explained that the legal action is not merely about internal power struggles, but about protecting the fundamental principles that uphold the Senate as a co‑equal branch of government. He emphasized that the move was taken to ensure that critical constitutional issues are resolved based on law and due process, rather than through political maneuvering or convenience.
“This petition is about preserving those institutions. It is about defending the independence of the Senate as a co‑equal branch of government. It is about ensuring that constitutional questions are settled by law rather than by political expediency,” Cayetano stated.
According to him, the dispute goes beyond who holds the top position; it touches on how the Senate functions, makes decisions, and exercises its powers under the Constitution. He argued that allowing the matter to be decided by political means instead of legal interpretation would weaken the Senate’s ability to act as a check and balance against the other branches of government, undermining the system of separation of powers.
The senator further stressed that the legal challenge is also intended to protect the Senate’s mandate to pursue truth and accountability in all its legislative inquiries and oversight functions. “Most importantly, it is about protecting the ability of the Senate to pursue the truth wherever it leads,” he added.
By bringing the case before the High Court, Cayetano said he hopes to secure a clear and definitive ruling that will not only resolve the current deadlock but also set a precedent that strengthens the institution’s independence for future legislatures. The development marks a significant escalation in the months‑long leadership row, now shifting the battle from the halls of the Senate to the judiciary.
