By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Sunday said senators aligned with the majority bloc are preparing for all possible scenarios ahead of a potential special session of Congress, warning that the ongoing Senate leadership dispute could intensify if not resolved decisively.
Lacson alleged that Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano may resort to disruptive tactics in an effort to sustain his claim to the Senate presidency, prompting the majority bloc to discuss contingency measures for the anticipated session.
According to Lacson, preparations have already been made to ensure that Senate proceedings continue smoothly should any attempt be made to derail deliberations.
“Members of the majority bloc are ready with contingencies in case he makes a scene. We have discussed measures that I am not at liberty to divulge,” he said.
The senator further claimed that Cayetano’s continued insistence on holding the Senate presidency no longer reflects the political reality within the chamber, arguing that support for the former Senate leader has steadily diminished.
Lacson said some senators previously identified with the Cayetano bloc have become less vocal, suggesting that many have begun to accept that the leadership battle has effectively been settled.
“He should wake up to reality. Even if he continues to say he is Senate president, no one is following him anymore,” Lacson said.
The veteran lawmaker stressed that leadership positions in the Senate are never permanent and maintained that the institution must move forward to address pending legislative measures and appointments.
He also urged all senators, regardless of political affiliation, to attend the special session once it is called and to settle differences through parliamentary debate rather than through public exchanges on social media.
“Cayetano should debate in plenary, not on Facebook,” Lacson said.
The senator likewise welcomed the decision of Sen. Joel Villanueva to attend the special session despite being associated with the Cayetano-led bloc, expressing hope that other senators would follow the same course.
Lacson said the special session presents an opportunity to finally put an end to the leadership controversy that has hampered Senate operations and delayed action on important legislative and Commission on Appointments matters.
As of Sunday, Malacañang had not yet announced a date for the special session. The Palace earlier indicated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was considering the request for a special session but later said the Senate should first work toward resolving its internal leadership impasse.
ia/xf
