Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Tuesday filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify actions taken during the June 3 Senate session, arguing that the chamber lacked the constitutionally required quorum when leadership and committee reorganizations were carried out. In a petition for certiorari and prohibition filed electronically on June 16, as reported by BusinessWorld, Cayetano contends that the session’s proceedings violated Article VI, Section 16 of the Constitution, which mandates a majority of all members to constitute a quorum.
The petition specifically challenges the election of Senate President and the reorganization of committee chairmanships that occurred during the disputed session. Cayetano argues that without a valid quorum, any business transacted is void and without legal effect. The senator is asking the Court to prohibit the Senate from implementing any actions taken on June 3 until the quorum issue is resolved.
The case highlights ongoing political tensions within the Senate, as the quorum dispute could have implications for the legitimacy of recent leadership changes. The Supreme Court has yet to issue a comment on the petition. Legal experts note that the outcome may set a precedent regarding the enforcement of quorum requirements in legislative bodies.