MANILA — The Senate minority bloc on Monday said key legislative measures were delayed after the majority failed to attend the 5 p.m. session resumption following the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
In a joint statement, the 11-member minority said they were present and ready to proceed with deliberations, but the majority did not appear, resulting in stalled proceedings.
The bloc said several bills were affected, including the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, the Anti-Hospital Detention Bill, and citizenship measures for Bennie Boatwright III and Matthew James Ramos, as well as pending confirmations before the Commission on Appointments.
Minority senators criticized the absence of the majority, saying the Senate should continue its work despite political disagreements and ongoing legal developments.
They also opposed calls to temporarily halt Senate proceedings, arguing that legislative duties should not be suspended.
The minority further alleged that the non-attendance amounted to a boycott linked to Estrada’s arrest, while urging the chamber to resume regular sessions.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano earlier called on senators to stand by the institution’s independence and suggested a temporary pause in proceedings amid recent developments involving Estrada.
He said the Senate, as a co-equal branch of government, should handle its internal matters independently.
The minority bloc, however, maintained that senators have a duty to attend sessions and continue legislative work without interruption.
ia/xf
