Philippine Senate leadership battle intensifies after majority shift

A power struggle erupted in the Philippine Senate after Senator Chiz Escudero defected to the minority, turning the 11‑member minority into a new majority on June 3. The move displaced Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who refused to step down, while Win Gatchalian was installed as acting Senate President and his bloc assumed control of committee chairmanships.

The new Gatchalian‑led majority labeled Cayetano’s flood‑control investigation as “bogus” and “grandstanding,” claiming the hearing lacked any basis in Senate rules. Cayetano’s allies disputed the legitimacy of the leadership change, asserting that the shift was unconstitutional due to a lack of quorum. Tensions escalated with accusations of power grabs, threats to Senate staff, and a physical altercation involving DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and lawmakers during the probe.

Both camps remain locked in a dispute over Senate authority, with Cayetano saying he is willing to resign only after the probe concludes, while President‑elect allies of Vice President Sara Duterte back Gatchalian’s claim to leadership.