On June 4, 2026, senators aligned with ousted Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano conducted a blue ribbon committee hearing that has since been labeled a 'bogus hearing' by their Senate counterparts.
Controversy Over Legislative Authority
What we are seeing is a naked grab for power dressed up as ‘inquiry’ and ‘oversight.’
Senate Majority Bloc
The Senate majority bloc's condemnation of the hearing comes amid a power struggle following Cayetano’s removal from leadership. Gatchalian ordered a work-from-home setup for Senate staff, citing no official business for the day.
Despite these directives, the Cayetano-led hearing proceeded, raising questions about its legitimacy. The Senate website had originally scheduled a flood control hearing, which was later canceled.
Unusual practices during the hearing further fueled the controversy. Typically, a committee secretary administers oaths, but Cayetano personally administered the oath to 18 former Marines present at the gathering.
The Gatchalian bloc criticized the Cayetano faction for allegedly threatening Senate employees who might refuse to cooperate. They stated that these civil servants were merely fulfilling their duties under the Senate's legitimate leadership.
While the legitimacy of the hearing remains disputed, it served as a platform for attacks against the Marcos administration and notable opposition figures. Allegations of corruption were amplified, reflecting ongoing tensions within the Senate. The controversy surrounding