MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the majority bloc will have a quorum to hold special session on June 17 whether Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and his allies decide to boycott it.
The senator cited the intention of Sen. Joel Villanueva to attend the special session.
"Since 12 kami as the new majority may quorum na at kung mag a-attend si Sen Joel (Since we are already 12 as the new majority, we already have a quorum and if Sen. Joel will attend) that makes us 13," Pangilinan said.
"[We're] More than enough to convene the special session whether their group attends or not," Pangilinan said in a text message.
Cayetano refused to recognize the June 3 reorganization which materialized after his former blocmate, Sen. Chiz Escudero, switched to the then 11-member minority bloc led by Sen. Vicente Sotto III.
Escudero's move formed the "new" 12-member majority bloc which elected Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president pro tempore and simultaneously act as Senate president.
Gatchalian needs 13 votes to be installed as Senate chief.
