Bacolod Solon Says Only the Supreme Court Can Resolve Senate Standoff

Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Congressman Albee Benitez said the ongoing leadership standoff in the Senate can only be settled with finality by the Supreme Court, as both rival blocs claim their respective actions are legal and legitimate.

The Upper House has two warring groups claiming to be the legitimate leadership, one led by Senator Win Gatchalian and the other by Senator Allan Peter Cayetano.

Benitez noted that should the session proceed and a quorum be established, the Gatchalian-led camp currently holds the numerical advantage.

He added that the delay in senators from the Cayetano bloc joining sessions stems from the reality that they lack sufficient numbers to form a quorum on their own.

Drawing from House rules, Benitez explained that a quorum in the lower chamber is determined by the presence of at least 12 members — a standard that differs from the interpretation being debated in the Senate.

As the impasse continues, even legal experts and lawmakers alike acknowledge that the High Court may be the only institution with the authority to define which group holds the legitimate mandate to steer the Senate forward.

‘Regional Senate’

Earlier, the Bacolod representative posted a question whether the current size of the Senate matches the Philippines’ scale and diversity.

“FOR A COUNTRY AS DIVERSE AS OURS, IS 24 STILL ENOUGH?”, his post goes with the statement, noting that as the nation confronts increasing complex problems, 24 senators cannot truly speak for over 110 million people spread across the islands.

Benitez floated a bold idea to restructure the Senate so that each of the country’s 18 regions can elect two representatives, expanding the chamber to 36 members.

Under this setup, he argued, regional voices would no longer be overshadowed, local concerns would gain a louder platform, and national policymaking would better reflect the realities experienced by communities far beyond Metro Manila — effectively bringing governance much closer to the people.

“The question remains: can the existing 24‑member Senate genuinely represent the entire nation?” Benitez asked.

The solon is encouraging public discussions on his proposal to reshape the Senate to better serve the country’s evolving needs.* (EYA via PNV)