Mark Villar is ‘staying with the minority,’ says Cayetano

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has made clear that Sen. Mark Villar remains in the minority, after the latter did not vote along with the minority bloc in the impeachment court last Wednesday.

Villar joined the majority bloc in voting against presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s previous ruling that the vote required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte is 16.

At that time, Cayetano and minority composed of Sens. Camille Villar, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Christopher “Bong” Go and Robin Padilla boycotted the division of the floor.

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Asked by the media whether Villar’s vote is indicative of his possible new alignment with the majority in the Senate, Cayetano asserted: “He’s staying with the minority.”

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READ: Gatchalian: Villar vote on impeachment rules not a move to join majority

Cayetano explained that the impeachment court has no minority and majority blocs, adding that even group voting is not discussed among themselves.

“In the impeachment court, to be very honest with you… We talk about legislation, sometimes, during the break. But there is no minority-majority when it comes to the impeachment court,” the senator said.

“If there is a question, more of a question… But we don’t have, ‘Oh how should we vote together?’ he told the media.

He also added that there is no animosity among the members of the minority in the Senate. /apl