Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, June 10, said the ongoing Senate leadership dispute reflects a broader lack of direction in government, criticizing what she described as “weak” leadership from Malacañang.

Speaking to reporters in General Santos City, Duterte said the controversy in the Senate reflects broader governance problems under the current administration.

“Yung kaguluhan sa Senado ay nagsasalamin ng leadership ng administrasyon (The turmoil in the Senate reflects the leadership of the administration),” Duterte said.

Duterte's remarks were directed at the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Yung kaguluhan at kawalan ng direksyon ng ating bansa ay nagsasalamin kung ano ‘yung klase ng leadership meron ang nakaupo sa Palasyo at ang ating administrasyon (The disorder and lack of direction in our nation mirror the kind of leadership that sits in the Palace and governs our administration),” she added.

Her remarks came as questions continued to surround the Senate leadership dispute amid reports of competing leadership claims involving Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Sherwin Gatchalian.

The Senate leadership dispute erupted amid competing claims over the chamber's leadership, with questions raised about quorum requirements and the legitimacy of actions taken by rival blocs.

Duterte argued that the Senate controversy reflects broader governance issues under the Marcos administration.

According to Duterte, people tend to follow the direction set by leaders, and when that direction is unclear, institutions and individuals may begin acting independently.

“Dahil lahat naman ng tao nagre-recognize sila kung ano ‘yung direksyon ng isang leader. Kapag wala ‘yung direksyon, wala ‘yung vision ay nagkakanya-kanya talaga ‘yung mga tao (People naturally recognize the direction of a leader—and when there is no direction, no vision, individuals inevitably go their own way),” Duterte said.

“Yan ‘yung nakikita natin, hindi lang sa Senado, but sa buong bansa (This is what we are witnessing, not only in the Senate but across the entire country),” she added.

The Philippine Senate leadership crisis has drawn national attention as lawmakers navigate questions about authority, quorum, and institutional stability, raising concerns about the chamber's ability to fulfill its legislative responsibilities.

Asked if she had a message for the rival camps, Duterte declined to address individual senators, emphasizing the Senate's role as a single institution.

Duterte urged senators to focus on their constitutional responsibilities and the priorities of the institution amid the ongoing leadership dispute.

“Wala akong indibidwal na mensahe para sa ating miyembro ng Senado dahil sila ay hindi dalawang grupo kundi isang institusyon. Dapat pag-usapan nila kung ano ba dapat ang prayoridad ng kanilang institusyon at ano ‘yung kanilang trabaho na naaayon sa ating Saligang Batas (I do not have an individual message for our members of the Senate because they are not two separate groups but one institution. They should discuss the priorities of their institution and their duties in accordance with our Constitution),” Duterte said.

When asked whether the quorum claimed by the Gatchalian-led bloc was valid, Duterte said she would leave the matter to the courts.

“Wala akong legal na opinyon para sa pangyayari. Mas mabuti sana kung meron masasagot ang Korte Suprema kung ano ba talaga ang i-recognize at ano ba dapat ang ways forward ng ating Senado (I do not have a legal opinion on the matter. It would be better if the Supreme Court could provide clarity on what should be recognized and what the proper ways forward are for our Senate),” Duterte said.

The Senate leadership row remains under close public scrutiny as lawmakers seek to resolve questions surrounding quorum, authority, and leadership within the Philippine Senate.