MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Win Gatchalian said official Senate journals from 2008 to 2020 show that the chamber has long recognized a 12-member quorum in certain instances.

Gatchalian pointed to multiple recorded sessions across different years where Senate proceedings were conducted with 12 senators present out of the then 23-member Senate, following resignations, detentions, or absences of several lawmakers.

On May 21, 2008 and February 11, 2009, the Senate declared a quorum with 12 members present after the chamber’s membership was reduced to 23 following the resignation of then Sen. Alfredo Lim, who was elected mayor of Manila in 2007. At the time, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV was in detention and unable to attend sessions.

On September 29, 2010, the Senate again recorded a valid quorum with 12 senators present following the resignation of then Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III after his election to the presidency. Trillanes was still unable to attend due to detention.

On May 8 and 15, 2012, Senate records showed that quorum was declared and legislative work proceeded with 12 senators present, again after Aquino’s resignation, with several senators either on official travel, sick leave, or arriving after roll call.

On May 5, 2015, the chamber adjusted its quorum base to 17 members due to the absence of four senators abroad and the detention of Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla, and Jinggoy Estrada. With 12 members present, the presiding officer still declared a quorum.

A similar quorum was declared on June 2, 2015 under comparable conditions, with detained senators Enrile, Revilla, and Estrada absent, while other lawmakers were on missions, medical leave, or arrived late.

On May 23, 2020, the Senate again recorded a quorum with 12 senators present, at a time when Sen. Leila de Lima was in detention and other senators were unable to physically attend sessions.

Gatchalian said the historical records confirm the legitimacy of such proceedings.

“Hindi natin pwedeng baguhin ang kasaysayan. Ang Senate records mismo ang nagpapatunay na hindi na bago ang nangyaring sesyon noong June 3 at ito ay lehitimo,” he emphasized.