IBP agrees June 3 Senate quorum ‘lawful’ and ‘valid’

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

MANILA, Philippines — Citing a Supreme Court (SC) ruling, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Thursday said that the Senate quorum that vacated all seats and installed Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as the Senate president pro tempore was “lawful” and “valid” despite contentions made by other senators.

The IBP cited a Supreme Court decision on the 1949 case of Avelino versus Cuenco in determining a quorum for the Senate.

In SC’s ruling, it interpreted a provision of Article VI, Section 10 of the 1935 Constitution, which stated that: “A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may compel the attendance of the absent Members in such manner and under such penalties as such House may provide.”

READ: Senate finally convened: Why and how?