Photo credit: Senate PH

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has escalated his criticism of fellow lawmakers and alleged administration allies, accusing them of carrying out what he described as an “illegal coup” inside the Senate that could undermine the Constitution and weaken democratic institutions.

In a livestream address ahead of a scheduled Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Cayetano argued that recent actions taken by a group of senators were unconstitutional and lacked the required support needed to change the chamber's leadership.

According to Cayetano, Senate rules and the Constitution require the backing of at least 13 senators for key actions involving Senate leadership. He maintained that the group behind the move failed to meet that threshold, making the actions invalid and raising serious constitutional concerns.

The senator framed the issue as more than a political dispute, saying it directly affects the independence of the Senate and the country's system of checks and balances. He insisted that the controversy is not about his position but about preserving democratic processes and ensuring that constitutional rules are followed.

A major focus of Cayetano's remarks was the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's planned investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control projects. He suggested that recent leadership and committee changes were intended to disrupt the hearing and prevent further scrutiny of what he described as a massive corruption issue.

Cayetano argued that corruption in flood control projects did not occur by accident and claimed that a full investigation is necessary to uncover how the alleged scheme operated and who benefited from it. He said the country cannot effectively combat corruption without first establishing the truth and implementing reforms.

The senator also questioned the timing of the leadership changes, particularly as the Senate was preparing to conduct hearings involving government agencies and officials connected to ongoing investigations.

Throughout his address, Cayetano warned that ignoring constitutional requirements could create dangerous precedents for future Senate actions, including impeachment proceedings and potential constitutional amendments. He argued that bending procedural rules for political purposes could weaken democratic institutions and erode public trust in government.

He further claimed that supporters of the leadership change were willing to disregard established procedures to achieve their objectives, describing the situation as part of a broader political crisis that has unfolded over recent weeks.

Despite his criticism, Cayetano appealed for calm and urged Filipinos to remain focused on protecting democratic institutions. He called on the public to support efforts aimed at preserving the Senate's independence while avoiding actions that could further escalate tensions.

Drawing from his family's experience during the final years of the Marcos dictatorship, Cayetano warned against allowing political disputes to evolve into a larger constitutional crisis. He urged government officials, Senate employees, and ordinary citizens to defend the rule of law and uphold the principles enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

The senator also vowed to continue pursuing Senate investigations, particularly those involving flood control projects and other allegations of corruption. He maintained that Senate committees remain functional and that efforts to uncover the truth should not be derailed by political maneuvering.

As tensions continue to rise inside the Senate, the dispute is expected to remain at the center of national politics, with rival factions expected to challenge each other's interpretation of Senate rules, constitutional requirements, and the legality of recent actions.

For Cayetano, however, the controversy represents a larger battle over the future of democratic governance in the Philippines and the continued independence of one of the country's key institutions.