Former Senate President Franklin Drilon could not help but laugh when asked about Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano's 23-day tenure as Senate president. According to Drilon, what happened during Cayetano's leadership was 'very unusual,' especially given the numerous controversies that occurred within that short period.
Cayetano became the fourth Senate president in the four-year term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., succeeding Sens. Migz Zubiri, Chiz Escudero, and Vicente Sotto III. Drilon noted that having multiple or different Senate presidents within one administration is not particularly noteworthy. However, serving as Senate leader for only 21 or 23 days is not normal for the upper chamber, even though some senators have had shorter tenures.
Drilon also recalled his own 24 years of experience as a senator, saying he had never seen anything like what happened during Cayetano's term. Despite this, Drilon believes that Cayetano's 23-day stint as Senate president is not a reflection of his ability or competence. Instead, it may indicate moves to control the upper chamber ahead of the 2028 elections.
