By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Majority senators welcomed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a petition challenging the legality of the June 3 Senate session that resulted in the removal of then-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
In its Aug. 26 en banc resolution, the Court said the petitioners failed to establish grave abuse of discretion, noting that the proceedings appeared consistent with the facts, law, and jurisprudence.
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the 12 senators who attended the session were confident they had sufficient legal basis to reorganize the chamber.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan welcomed the ruling, saying it should allow senators to move beyond their political differences and return their focus to legislative work.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian likewise said the ruling was consistent with his position that the June 3 session was held in accordance with the Constitution and established jurisprudence.
The 12 senators declared the Senate presidency vacant and elected Gatchalian as Senate president pro tempore and acting presiding officer. Gatchalian was later formally elected Senate president on June 17.
ia/xf
