10/06/2026
Centrist 👍
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BAM: SENATE DISPUTE NOT ABOUT MARCOS VS DUTERTE; CALLS FOR ISSUE-BASED GOVERNANCE
Sen. Bam Aquino on Tuesday said the ongoing Senate leadership dispute should not be viewed as a contest between the Marcos and Duterte political camps, stressing that many Filipinos are instead seeking independent and issue-based governance.
In an interview on ANC's Headstart, Aquino said the narrative that officials must align with either bloc is misleading and does not reflect public sentiment.
"'Yan ang pinakamalaking kasinungalingan ngayon na binibenta sa publiko na dalawang grupo lang, either Sara ka o Marcos ka. Mas marami sa mga kababayan natin, don't want either," Aquino said.
He said more Filipinos prefer leaders who evaluate issues independently and prioritize public welfare over political loyalty.
"Mas marami sa mga Pilipino, sa tingin ko, nandito sa gitna. Naghahanap ng lunas, naghahanap ng tulong, naghahanap ng Senado at ng gobyerno na natutulong talaga sa kanila," he added.
Aquino said the recent earthquake in Mindanao underscores the need for government institutions to rise above political divisions and focus on urgent public needs.
"Ang hinahanap ng tao, sino bang tutugon sa mga problema ko? Hindi yung, kanino-sino yung boss mo? Boss mo ba ito? Boss mo ba iyan? Dapat kami yung boss mo," he said.
The senator also said the bloc led by Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian is pushing for a return to normal Senate operations focused on legislation and reforms rather than internal conflict.
"Bumalik tayo sa isang Senado na nagtatrabaho, na gumagawa ng mga reforma para sa Pilipino, at hindi na yung puro conflict, puro away, puro drama," he said.
Aquino said the recent leadership shift was triggered by the failure to hold Senate sessions for three consecutive days, which he said raised concerns among senators and Senate staff.
He maintained that the Gatchalian bloc's position is grounded in jurisprudence and Senate precedent, citing the 1949 Avelino v. Cuenco ruling and previous quorum practices.