Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna said the petition filed by the Cayetano bloc questioning the legality of the June 3 Senate session is now moot and academic. He stated that the newly elected Senate President, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, has already secured a majority of 13 votes during the special session held on June 17.
According to Azcuna, the Supreme Court can now dismiss the petition as it has become moot and academic. He added that it is up to the High Court to decide whether to continue hearing the case. However, he believes the Supreme Court will not prevent a co-equal branch of government from fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
The petition was filed on June 16, questioning the legality of the June 3 session where all positions were declared vacant and Senator Gatchalian was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President. The Cayetano bloc argued that there was no quorum during the June 3 proceedings.
Earlier, Gatchalian said he would leave the decision on the petition to the Supreme Court.
