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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cayetano blocking two senators who want to switch sides, says Erwin Tulfo

Cayetano blocking two senators who want to switch sides, says Erwin Tulfo

Published Jun 16, 2026 10:53 am  |  Updated Jun 16, 2026 01:22 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Erwin Tulfo claims that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is preventing two senators, including one from Mindanao, from leaving their bloc despite their willingness to join efforts to resume Senate work.
  • According to Tulfo, the two senators are concerned about potential attacks from vloggers and trolls if they switch sides, prompting them to look for a way to leave the Cayetano bloc without affecting their families.
  • Tulfo said discussions are ongoing with the two senators and suggested their bloc could expand, adding that it would be better if Cayetano attends the June 17 special session called by President Marcos.
Amid growing speculation over shifting alliances in the Senate, Senator Erwin Tulfo claimed on Tuesday, June 16, that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is trying to prevent two senators, including one from Mindanao, from leaving their bloc.
Senator President Alan Peter Cayetano (Mark Balmores)
Senator President Alan Peter Cayetano (Mark Balmores)
Tulfo said this in a DZBB interview when asked if Senator Joel Villanueva is officially moving to the bloc led by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian. This was after he announced last Sunday that he would attend a special session called by the President.
President Marcos has already called Congress to a special session on June 17 to urgently act on priority legislative measures. 
Tulfo said that aside from Villanueva, their bloc is currently discussing with two more senators who have expressed their willingness to work but are being prevented by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who has since been insisting that he's still the Senate President.
"Mayroon diyang dalawa, at least dalawa na senador na nagpahayag, nagparating na gusto nilang magtrabaho. Kinokontra lang, pinipigilan ni Senator Alan Cayetano. Kaya hindi makapasok (There are at least two senators who have expressed, who have conveyed, that they want to work. But Senator Alan Cayetano is opposing and blocking them. That’s why they cannot switch)," Tulfo said.
"Dahil ang banta rin sa kanila, 'pag pumasok kayo diyan, yung backlash, yung banat sa inyo ng mga vlogger, mga troll, sisirain ang buhay niyo (Because the threat to them is, if you enter there, the backlash—the attacks from vloggers and trolls—will destroy your life)," he added.
Because of this, Tulfo said that the two senators are now thinking of a way to leave the Cayetano bloc in a way that their families will not be affected by the expected backlash.
Asked if their bloc will increase to 15, Tulfo said that it depends on Cayetano.
He added that it would be better if Cayetano attended the session.
Under Proclamation No. 1318, signed on June 15, the President directed lawmakers to take up priority bills that remain pending despite having reached advanced stages of legislation.

Related Tags

Erwin Tulfo Alan Peter Cayetano Senate leadership crisis SENATE
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