‘DISGRACE TO THE SENATE’: Negros solon seeks Cayetano persona non grata tag

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental first district Rep. Julio Ledesma IV has called on local government units within his legislative district to declare Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano persona non grata, accusing the senator of trivializing his responsibilities as a legislator amid the recent Senate controversy.

In a social media post, Ledesma said he intends to seek support from LGUs in the district, which includes Escalante City, San Carlos City, and the municipalities of Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Toboso.

“This is my ask of our district and I will get this,” Ledesma wrote.

“Senator Alan Peter Cayetano — you are a disgrace to the Senate, and as a former member of the House (of Representatives), you’ve done this twice,” he stated.

San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo declined to immediately comment on the proposal, saying the city government would first seek legal guidance before taking any action.

However, he said the city would support Ledesma’s initiative if there is sufficient basis for doing so.

Gustilo said he personally believes the ongoing Senate controversy stems from the debate over whether to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

He added that Senate sessions should not be disrupted, considering the number of important matters that still need to be addressed.

Meanwhile, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who is also president of the Association of Chief Executives of Negros Occidental, said the issue has not yet been discussed among the province’s mayors.

“We will see what the mayors’ reactions will be regarding the statement of Cong. Ledesma,” Escalante said.

Sharing his personal view, Escalante expressed disappointment with the current situation in the Senate, describing it as increasingly driven by politics.

“That’s not the Senate that we know. What’s wrong?” he said.

He added that elected officials ultimately reflect the choices made by voters.

“We deserve what we get,” Escalante said, emphasizing the need for voters to be more discerning in choosing leaders.

“This is not just a popularity contest. It’s not just about being a good talker or being intelligent. This is about integrity,” he added.

The controversy arose from a dispute over whether the Senate had a quorum to continue its session, resulting in a disagreement between Cayetano and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

The impasse was broken June 3 after Sen. Francis Escudero, then aligned with the majority bloc, attended the session and provided the numbers needed for a quorum, allowing Senate proceedings to resume.

Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore and designated acting Senate president after the chamber reorganized its leadership.

Cayetano challenged Gatchalian’s designation as acting Senate president, arguing that Senate rules require a resignation, removal, death, or absolute incapacity before succession can take effect.

The Senate controversy is unfolding as the chamber prepares for the impeachment trial of Duterte, who has denied the accusations against her.

The impeachment complaints against Duterte accuse her of betrayal of public trust and possible constitutional violations, citing, among others, alleged irregularities in the use of confidential and intelligence funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when she served as its secretary.