NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Experts Defend 12-Senator Quorum
Screengrab from PTV
A group of law deans, professors of juridical science, and political theorists has pushed back against claims that a recent Senate session was unconstitutional because only 12 senators were present.
The legal scholars argued that the situation is not without precedent, pointing to a similar case that took place more than a decade ago.
“Hindi bago ang 12 lang na quorum, nangyari na ito dati,” the group said.
According to the scholars, only 12 senators attended a Senate session on May 5, 2015. Despite the limited attendance, then Senate President Franklin Drilon recognized the gathering as a valid quorum, allowing the chamber to continue its proceedings.
“Noong Mayo 5, 2015, 12 na senador lang din ang dumalo sa sesyon. Kinilala ito ni Senate President Franklin Drilon bilang valid na quorum. Hindi ito tinawag na unconstitutional noon, at hindi rin dapat ngayon,” they said.
The group emphasized that the Constitution was never intended to prevent members of Congress from carrying out their duties and responsibilities. They maintained that lawmakers must be allowed to continue legislative work when circumstances permit, rather than have the institution brought to a standstill.
“Hindi layunin ng Konstitusyon na pigilan ang kahit sinumang miyembro ng Kamara o Senado na gawin ang kanilang trabaho,” the scholars added.
They further argued that by attending the session, senators were able to continue fulfilling the Senate’s constitutional mandate and responsibilities to the public.
“Sa pagdalo ng mga senador sa sesyon, nagpatuloy ang Senado sa pagtupad ng mga tungkulin at responsibilidad nito sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon.”
The statement comes amid ongoing debate over the validity of recent Senate proceedings, with legal experts weighing in on how quorum rules should be interpreted under existing laws and constitutional principles.
The legal scholars argued that the situation is not without precedent, pointing to a similar case that took place more than a decade ago.
“Hindi bago ang 12 lang na quorum, nangyari na ito dati,” the group said.
According to the scholars, only 12 senators attended a Senate session on May 5, 2015. Despite the limited attendance, then Senate President Franklin Drilon recognized the gathering as a valid quorum, allowing the chamber to continue its proceedings.
“Noong Mayo 5, 2015, 12 na senador lang din ang dumalo sa sesyon. Kinilala ito ni Senate President Franklin Drilon bilang valid na quorum. Hindi ito tinawag na unconstitutional noon, at hindi rin dapat ngayon,” they said.
The group emphasized that the Constitution was never intended to prevent members of Congress from carrying out their duties and responsibilities. They maintained that lawmakers must be allowed to continue legislative work when circumstances permit, rather than have the institution brought to a standstill.
“Hindi layunin ng Konstitusyon na pigilan ang kahit sinumang miyembro ng Kamara o Senado na gawin ang kanilang trabaho,” the scholars added.
They further argued that by attending the session, senators were able to continue fulfilling the Senate’s constitutional mandate and responsibilities to the public.
“Sa pagdalo ng mga senador sa sesyon, nagpatuloy ang Senado sa pagtupad ng mga tungkulin at responsibilidad nito sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon.”
The statement comes amid ongoing debate over the validity of recent Senate proceedings, with legal experts weighing in on how quorum rules should be interpreted under existing laws and constitutional principles.
Jun 6, 2026
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