A scheduled June 16 hearing announced by former congressman Mike Defensor has intensified the conflict over Senate Blue Ribbon Committee authority between the Cayetano bloc and the majority leadership.
The Cayetano bloc planned a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing for Tuesday, June 16, at Double Gem EDSA Garden Events Place outside the Senate. Former congressman Mike Defensor announced the event on Facebook on June 14 and invited the public to support the “Brave 18” witnesses expected to testify on alleged government corruption.
Senator Erwin Tulfo stated on June 15 that no hearing was authorized for that date. He said the announcement lacked committee approval and violated Senate rules requiring formal three-day notice.
Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian said the Senate recognizes only the committee headed by Senator Erwin Tulfo. He added that any hearing outside this committee has no legal standing.
Cayetano continues to claim he remains Senate president despite the leadership change that installed Gatchalian as acting president. The planned hearing follows a similar June 4 event by the Cayetano bloc that the majority dismissed as a bogus proceeding.
