Quorum of call, batay sa mayorya ng 22 senador — Gatchalian

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Before we adjourn, ladies and gentlemen, the chair would like to state for the record that we are compelled to call the session to order today.

[00:00:08]After the Senate adjourned on May 26, 2026, session was scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1, 2026 and on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, but the former Senate President failed to appear in both instances.

[00:00:30]Further, Article 6, Section 16 5 of the Constitution provides that neither house shall, during sessions of Congress, adjourn for more than 3 days without the consent of the other house.

[00:00:44]The Senate has The Senate has been adjourned and unable to resume session for the past 2 days, placing us on the brink of constitutional violation had we not convened today.

[00:00:57]Thus, in the absence of a duly consulted postponement and the continued absence of the former Senate President, former Senate President pro tempore, and members of the majority, we are compelled to call the session to order.

[00:01:12]The quorum of 12 is based on majority of 22 senators, over whom jurisdiction can be obtained by the Senate.

[00:01:22]This is in full accord with the ruling of the court in Avelino versus Cuenco that an absolute majority of 12 out of the 23 members can constitute a constitutional majority of the Senate for quorum purposes and with precedent, specifically the May 5, 2015 session where the quorum was based on 17 available senators with seven others beyond the Senate's coercive jurisdiction. Thank you.

[00:01:53]>> Thank you very much for the clarity, Mr. President. Mr. President, let the record reflect that the chair, a Senate President Pro Tempore, shall act as will shall serve as acting president pursuant to rule five.

[00:02:06]Yes.

[00:02:07]Presiding officer of the Senate pursuant to rule five, section four C and five of the rules of the Senate.

[00:02:19]Pursuant to our rules, the wording is actually acting president, Mr. President, on our rules.

[00:02:24]Just for the record, Mr. President.

[00:02:26]>> Is there any objection? Hearing none, the motion is approved.

[00:02:30]>> Mr. President, I move that the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the House of Representatives be informed of the election of Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. I so move, Mr. President.

[00:02:43]>> Is there any objection? Hearing none, the motion of the majority leader is hereby >> Mr. President, I move that the first regular session of the 20th Congress of the Philippines on the part OF THE SENATE BE adjourned sine die.

[00:02:56]>> Is there any objection? The chair hears none. The motion is approved. The first regular session of the 20th Congress of the Philippines on the part of the Senate is is adjourned sine die.