Senator Legarda: Senate leadership row resolved but June 3 vote remains 'unconstitutional'

Senator Loren Legarda on Thursday said the “constitutional barrier” that had raised objections over recent Senate leadership proceedings has now been addressed, following the emergence of a 13-member majority backing new Senate leadership.

In a statement, Legarda said her earlier concern was not about personalities or positions, but about whether a Senate action backed by only 12 votes could be considered valid under constitutional requirements for the 24-member chamber.

“My concern was never about personalities, power, or position,” she said, stressing that her position was rooted in constitutional interpretation rather than political alignment.

She noted that with 13 senators now clearly supporting the leadership change, she respects the development and urged colleagues to allow the chamber to move forward with its legislative work.

However, Legarda maintained a firm objection to the earlier proceedings held on June 3, 2026, reiterating that she considers them unconstitutional. She clarified that her acknowledgment of the current session and leadership should not be interpreted as any form of “recognition, ratification, validation, or retroactive approval” of the disputed session.

“The election before us today stands on its own constitutional footing and operates prospectively from this point forward,” she said, drawing a distinction between current actions and past contested proceedings.

Legarda also expressed hope that the Supreme Court, through a petition filed by the minority bloc, will issue definitive guidance on the constitutional questions surrounding voting thresholds and Senate procedures. She said such clarification would help prevent similar disputes in the future, particularly in matters involving high constitutional importance.

Beyond procedural issues, she emphasized that the core concern is the integrity and stability of constitutional rules governing the Senate of the Philippines, an organization responsible for lawmaking and oversight.

Despite the controversy, Legarda extended congratulations to the new Senate leadership, including Win Gatchalian as Senate President, Tito Sotto as Senate President Pro Tempore, and Migz Zubiri as Majority Floor Leader. She wished them success in leading the chamber and advancing legislative priorities.

“As I always have, I will continue to serve diligently and faithfully as a Member of this Senate… My service will always belong to [the Filipino people],” she added.

The dispute stems from competing interpretations of quorum and voting requirements during earlier Senate proceedings, which have since been elevated to the Supreme Court for review.

-Paraluman News