Senator Lito Lapid injected humor into the Senate plenary on June 2, 2026, with a lighthearted comment about presiding over a session. His quip, "Kapag ako pumukpok, walang magsasalita. Committee on Silence ako (If I bang the gavel, no one would talk. I'm the Committee on Silence)," was well-received by colleagues.
A Break in Tension Amid Absences
Lapid's remarks came during a time when the Senate was struggling to maintain order due to the absence of the majority bloc. This absence has resulted in a lack of quorum, leading to cancelled sessions over the past two days.
The recent arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and the continuing absence of Senator Ronald 'Bato’ dela Rosa have created an unusual situation in which the balance of votes inside the Senate has shifted.
Senate Majority Bloc Statement
The majority bloc has stated that they are withholding a quorum to protect ongoing investigations into alleged corruption. This situation has led to a rare tie between the majority and minority, each with 11 members, complicating legislative proceedings.
In the recent session, Lapid reaffirmed his commitment to the minority and called for unity among senators, emphasizing the need for collaboration despite political challenges.