MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday defended the legitimacy of past and recent Senate proceedings, citing official journals showing that a 12-member quorum has been recognized in several instances over the past two decades.
Gatchalian said records from 2008 to 2020 demonstrate that the Senate has conducted official business even when only 12 senators were present, depending on changes in membership and attendance circumstances.
He said this historical pattern supports the validity of the June 3 session, where 12 senators were able to proceed with legislative work.
“Hindi natin pwedeng baguhin ang kasaysayan,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing that Senate documentation itself confirms the precedent.
He cited multiple examples, including sessions in 2008 and 2009, when quorum was declared despite limited attendance following resignations and the detention of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV at the time.
Similar situations occurred in 2010 after a change in Senate membership, as well as in 2012 when several senators were on leave, official travel, or arrived after roll call.
In 2015, Gatchalian noted that the Senate recalibrated its quorum base due to absences caused by detention, foreign missions, and medical leave, allowing 12 members to still meet quorum requirements.
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The pattern continued in 2020, when a 12-member quorum was likewise recognized amid limited physical attendance.
Gatchalian said these examples show that quorum determinations have historically been flexible based on the Senate’s effective membership at any given time.
He added that the June 3 proceedings should be assessed in light of these established institutional precedents. (PNA)
