Senators allied with Alan Peter Cayetano conducted a Blue Ribbon committee hearing on flood control anomalies on June 4 despite objections from the Senate majority bloc led by Win Gatchalian.
The majority bloc described the gathering as an unofficial and unauthorized event with no basis in Senate rules. They said it amounted to a naked grab for power following the recent reorganization that installed Gatchalian as acting Senate president pro tempore. Pia Cayetano initially presided over the proceedings in the Senate plenary hall before handing chairing duties to Rodante Marcoleta. She also held a separate hearing of the Ways and Means Committee. Eighteen alleged former Marines served as resource persons and were escorted into the building by Cayetano and Robin Padilla amid reports of pushing involving Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Lawmakers named in the hearing, including Tito Sotto and Erwin Tulfo, later denied allegations that they received cash-filled suitcases. Malacañang recognized Gatchalian’s leadership and called on the Senate to shape up while denying any presidential involvement in blocking resource persons.
