Chiz enters: Senate declares quorum with 12 senators present

This is a developing story.

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:28 p.m.) — The Senate deadlock broke Wednesday, June 3, when majority member Sen. Chiz Escudero entered the plenary hall, joined minority senators already waiting there and gave the chamber the numbers it needed to move against its own leadership.

After two straight session days without convening, the Senate resumed with 12 senators present. A roll call was made, quorum was declared and all chamber positions were declared vacant, clearing the way for a leadership reorganization.

The Senate president pro tempore post went to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who immediately became the presiding officer.

Escudero’s appearance was pivotal. Minority senators had been showing up for session since Monday, June 1, but the Senate could not proceed after the majority bloc led Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and presiding officers failed to appear.

The stalemate began hours after Sen. Jinggoy Estrada surrendered to authorities over a non-bailable plunder case Monday. Escudero’s appearance Wednesday was significant because Cayetano’s majority had been operating on a thin margin after Estrada’s arrest and the continued absence of Sen. "Bato" dela Rosa.

With the Senate having failed to hold session for two days, it left pending measures and appointments stalled as questions mounted over whether Cayetano still had the numbers to control the floor.