MANILA — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson criticized the absence of the Senate majority bloc during Monday’s session, saying the move was intended to hold legislative measures hostage following the arrest of Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.

Lacson said the failure of the majority bloc, led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, to attend the regular session was not a defense of the Senate’s independence but a neglect of its responsibilities.

“Standing up for the Senate’s independence does not place SP Cayetano and any senator above the law. It has nothing to do with non-adherence to the rule of law. Dereliction of duty will not solve this partisan gridlock. Its sole purpose is to hold legislation hostage,” he said in a post on X.

Members of the majority bloc did not attend Monday’s session. The minority bloc likewise disputed claims that the issue involved Senate independence, arguing instead that the absence was linked to Estrada’s arrest.

“Let us call this for what it is: the claim that this is about Senate independence is false, because what happened today was about the rule of law, public accountability and a lawful process before the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan that no senator, no bloc and no presiding officer controls. This is a boycott because of the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and the public should not be asked to believe another convenient line from a leadership that has repeatedly twisted the truth,” the minority bloc said.

Before the session, Cayetano attempted to stop the arrest of Estrada after police officers arrived to enforce a warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan.

The arrest warrant was carried out by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla despite a confrontation with Cayetano, who cited a previous instance involving former Senate President Jovito Salonga and then Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

Lacson also described Estrada’s arrest as a step toward justice, saying both the senator and the thousands of flood victims would finally have an opportunity to present their cases in court.

Meanwhile, Lacson reiterated his call for the Senate to restore its credibility and regain public confidence.

“My only birthday wish is for the Senate to recover what is left of its integrity, dignity and reputation, but most of all, the public trust and confidence that our predecessors used to enjoy,” he said on X Monday.