SENATOR Bam Aquino revealed that the faction led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is close to securing its 13th member, a crucial number that would formally solidify his election as Senate President.
The upper chamber has been deadlocked for days following a leadership shake‑up, with outgoing chief Senator Alan Peter Cayetano refusing to step down. Cayetano insists that under the 1987 Constitution, a new leader can only be validly elected once the majority reaches 13 members — a standard he maintains must be strictly followed.
The Gatchalian camp, however, has justified its reorganization by citing the landmark 1949 Supreme Court ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco, which recognized a leadership change made by only 12 senators. The bloc reached that count after Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero crossed the floor, leading to Gatchalian’s installation as Senate President Pro‑Tempore, replacing Senator Loren Legarda. Cayetano’s allies strongly reject this move, arguing it violates not only the Constitution but also Senate rules and their moral principles.
In an interview with ANC, Aquino confirmed that the group is on the verge of expanding further, though he did not name the potential defector. Speculation within the Senate points to Senators Joel Villanueva and Camille Villar as likely to leave Cayetano’s side. Both lawmakers are currently facing separate issues: Villanueva is linked to the flood control fund controversy, while Villar has cases filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission involving stock manipulation and insider trading. Their transfer would give Gatchalian the exact number needed to claim undisputed control.
Aquino also noted that the political alignment could shift even faster depending on government priorities, particularly if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls for a special session. The need to pass a supplemental budget for relief and recovery efforts following the recent powerful earthquake in Mindanao may pressure senators to set aside differences and join the majority. With the numbers nearly complete, the final addition is expected to end the leadership dispute and settle once and for all who will steer the Senate for the remainder of the session.
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