Alan Cayetano wishes Mark Villar well after transferring to majority

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday said the minority bloc will continue “to stand for what is right,” following the surprise move of Senator Mark Villar to transfer to the majority.

In a statement, Cayetano said he understands “all too well” the circumstances and considerations that lead to changes in political alliances.

“Senate coalitions may change, but our vision, principles, and commitment to God and to the Filipino people remain steadfast,” he said.

“As we continue to pray for our country, we wish Senator Mark Villar and all our colleagues well. May God grant us all the wisdom, humility, and strength to faithfully serve Him and the Filipino people,” he added.

Cayetano said the minority bloc “will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as fiscalizers and constructive oppositionists,” who would uphold the rights of every Filipino.

“Since May 11, it has become increasingly clear how important it is for this administration to maintain a closely allied working majority in the Senate. But regardless of how the political landscape shifts, our duty remains unchanged. We will continue to stand for what is right, uphold our institutions, and work for the good of our nation,” he said.

On May 11, a leadership coup happened in the Senate after Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa suddenly reappeared during the session, resulting in the ouster of then-Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and the election of Cayetano to the top Senate post.

Cayetano was replaced by incumbent Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian a month after.

Senator Bong Go, a member of the minority bloc, said he respects the decision of Villar to join the majority, affirming that they remain on good terms.

“Gano’n naman po talaga dito sa Senado. We respect each other kung ano magiging decision nila,” Go said.

(That’s really how it is here in the Senate. We respect each other regarding whatever decision we make.)

Robin Padilla, also a minority senator, said there is no need for a “big reaction” from the minority as Villar was a previous member of the majority.

Implications to impeachment?

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, meanwhile, believes that the move of Villar had nothing to do with the conviction vote threshold in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“No, nothing to do whatsoever. You know, being a member of the majority, doesn't automatically mean that you will vote for conviction or for acquittal. Hindi po ibig sabihin ‘yun. Baka may members kami sa majority, biglang mag-vote for acquittal din at baka may members din ng minority that will vote for conviction. It all has to do with evidence presented,” Zubiri explained.

(No, nothing to do whatsoever. You know, being a member of the majority, doesn't automatically mean that you will vote for conviction or for acquittal. It doesn't mean like that. Maybe we have members in the majority who will suddenly vote for acquittal, and maybe there are also members of the minority who will vote for conviction. It all has to do with evidence presented.)

Zubiri also distanced the majority bloc from the move of Villar to vote in favor of appealing the decision on the original 16-vote threshold to convict Duterte.

“We had nothing to do with that. That's a conscience vote,” he said.

The majority leader also said that Villar chose to transfer from the minority on his own.

“Siya nakiusap sa amin na sama na lang siya sa (he was the one who asked to join us)…he wants to join the majority to be more productive and so we welcome that,” Zubiri added. — RSJ, GMA News