President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated he will not interfere with the Senate's internal matters following a recent leadership change. However, the country's largest labor coalition, Nagkaisa, claims the shakeup is an attempt to undermine the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro, emphasized that the Senate operates independently and the president will not meddle in its decisions. The Senate recently elected Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as its new president with a vote of 13–9–2, marking him as the fourth Senate leader during the Marcos administration.
The motion for Cayetano's election was introduced by Senator Imee Marcos, the president's sister. Following this transition, Senator Loren Legarda was appointed as the Senate President Pro Tempore.
Cayetano will preside over the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte, which has raised concerns among labor leaders.
This is not statesmanship. It looks more like an effort to save friendships and protect political allies.
Sonny Matula, Nagkaisa Chairman
Sonny Matula, the chairman of Nagkaisa, criticized the leadership change, asserting that it transforms the Senate into a 'political bunker' aimed at protecting influential figures like Senator Ronald dela Rosa from potential legal repercussions.
Matula expressed disappointment, stating that the Senate must not become a 'safe house for the powerful,' especially during a time when citizens are facing economic struggles and allegations of corruption.
'The Senate's role is to uphold truth and accountability, not to shield political dynasties,' Matula added. He called for the impeachment trial against Duterte to proceed and for dela Rosa to face justice.
Nagkaisa urged senators to ensure the impeachment process is fair and transparent, warning against using the Senate as a refuge for those seeking to evade accountability.
'The Filipino people deserve a Senate that serves the Constitution, not political convenience or the interests of a privileged few,' the coalition concluded.