The Supreme Court should now intervene in the ongoing power struggle in the Senate, according to a Sangguniang Panlungsod member in Laoag City. Atty. Jason Perera, a city councilor, asserted that it is time for the country's highest court to step in and determine which senators are acting correctly amid the leadership dispute.
Dispute Over Quorum and Leadership
Perera also stressed the need to clarify the proper procedure when a senator is detained, as in the case of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, while another senator, Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, is in hiding following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The councilor questioned whether the required quorum should be 12 or 13 senators.
His remarks came after the Senate once again elected a new leader, with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian chosen to preside. However, members of the Senate majority bloc questioned the election, claiming there was no quorum.
Legal Experience and Precedents
Perera, who has served as a legal officer and city councilor for nearly 15 years, noted that based on various cases decided by the Supreme Court, the quorum count only decreases when a senator is abroad. In the current situation, no senator has left the country.
He emphasized that the Supreme Court must determine the correct quorum and the legitimacy of the leadership change to restore order in the Senate.
