Cayetano concedes Senate leadership after weeks of deadlock

MANILA, Philippines — After weeks of fiercely disputing his unseating, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has finally conceded the Senate presidency.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 17, Cayetano said he acknowledges that the Gatchalian bloc will soon have the numbers to replace him as Senate president.

"And now, after speaking with Sen. Joel Villanueva, it appears our colleagues on the other side will soon have the numbers to elect a new Senate President. I will not stand in the way of that vote," Cayetano said.

"I may leave the position of SP, but I am honored to still be your PS — your Public Servant," he added.

Wednesday marks the special session of the Senate ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after several pending bills remained in limbo amid the Senate leadership dispute.

Villanueva is expected to attend Wednesday's special session, according to a video message released on June 15.

Cayetano had maintained that his bloc remained the Senate leadership despite the House of Representatives and Malacañang recognizing Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as the chamber's leader.

This came days after Cayetano's bloc stopped attending Senate plenary sessions beginning June 1. The Gatchalian bloc's leadership was elected on June 3 following the appearance of Sen. Francis Escudero, which completed a quorum.