Layout by: Erelah Janika Geniza
Published by: Jellyssa Boniza
Date Published: June 4, 2026
Time Published: 3:49 PM
After several sessions of absence, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, a member of the majority bloc, switched to the minority bloc and became the 12th senator to join the 11 members of minority on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
During the Senate session on Wednesday, Escudero was greeted with applause from fellow senators as he joined the minority bloc.
Meanwhile, the remaining members of the former majority bloc continued to be absent since Monday, preventing the chamber from reaching a quorum.
A quorum was finally declared after 12 senators were present during the session, allowing the Senate to resume its proceedings and elect new officials, excluding the Senate President position and the heads of several key committees.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Escudero described the ongoing impasse in the Senate as "untenable" and "unacceptable."
"This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate. My allegiance is not to any faction, personality, group, or alliance," Escudero said.
On the other hand, Senator Erwin Tulfo, who recently moved from the minority bloc to the majority bloc, said they were fortunate that one former majority member chose not to conform and instead acted according to what he believed was best for the Senate.
With the quorum restored, senators present during the session elected Senator Win Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and designated him as Acting Senate President, allowing the chamber to continue conducting legislative business amid the leadership dispute.
REFERENCES:
GMA News. (2026, June 3). Chiz Escudero: Senate impasse is untenable, unacceptable. GMA News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/990080/chiz-escudero-senate-impasse-is-untenable-unacceptable/story/
GMA News. (2026, June 3). Sen. Erwin Tulfo - We're fortunate Sen. Escudero do not conform with majority's beliefs. GMA News. https://youtu.be/lQT1DuVcIUI?si=wPBqhXu-IIWMiwJM
Tamayo, B. & Ismael, J. (2026, June 3). Minority now majority bloc as Escudero switches sides. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/06/03/news/minority-now-majority-bloc-as-escudero-switches-sides/2357523
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