Senate split at 11-11 after two majority members cannot attend sessions

The Senate of the Philippines currently holds a 13-member majority bloc and an 11-member minority bloc. Two majority senators are unable to participate in sessions because of legal proceedings, reducing the working majority to 11 members and creating an even 11-11 split on the floor.

Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III stated that an 11-11 split means undivided or non-controversial matters may be passed, while majority matters require concurrence from the minority. The absence of enough senators also prevented a quorum on June 1, when only 11 members were present.

Legal proceedings affecting attendance Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. Senator Jinggoy Estrada is currently detained on plunder and graft cases, preventing attendance.

Additional majority senators face separate legal proceedings. The Office of the Ombudsman indicated that a case against one senator is ready for filing. If further detentions occur, the majority’s active floor presence could fall below the minority’s numbers.

Rule change and session disputes On May 11, a proposal was introduced to allow virtual attendance for justifiable reasons. Minority senators walked out of the May 19 session over the timing and manner of the proposed rule change. The Senate is scheduled to continue deliberation on the proposal.

Majority members did not attend the June 1 session after one senator’s detention. Minority senators described the absence as a boycott of duty. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano stated that the Senate should not be made to serve under external pressure.

Under the 1987 Constitution, a majority vote of all members is required to elect the Senate president.