Alan Cayetano skips special session, named new Senate Minority leader — ANC

[0:00] The new Philippine Senate Minority Block of Alan Cayetano concedes the chamber's leadership [0:04] to Sherwin Gatchalian, but it still expects the Supreme Court to resolve its petition [0:09] challenging an earlier Senate session which made Gatchalian acting Senate President. [0:15] Victoria Tulan reports. [0:18] Though absent during the special session on Wednesday morning, [0:21] Senator Rodante Marcoleta appeared at the session hall just in time [0:25] to participate in the Commission on Appointments deliberation. [0:28] He shook the hands of newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, [0:32] of Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senator Rafi Tulfo. [0:36] Marcoleta said he was there to fulfill his constitutional duty. [0:40] Senator Joel Villanueva later on approached Marcoleta and talked to him. [0:45] Villanueva was a former member of the Cayetano Block but jumped ship to Gatchalian's block, [0:50] giving them the needed 13 votes to be able to elect the Senate President. [0:54] Villanueva said work was his consideration in attending the special session. [0:59] We wanted to work, so that's what we've been doing. [1:02] I mean, you have seen how I work today. [1:05] I'm almost on the floor or at the podium most of the time, the entire day. [1:10] Villanueva said he has spoken with former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano [1:14] and assured that they are okay. [1:16] Senator Irwin Tulfo, meanwhile, expressed relief that Villanueva joined them. [1:20] He asserts they did not make any deal with Villanueva. [1:24] Si Senator JB, ang kagabi, sabi niya yung gano'ng kausapin niya. [1:30] So it was last night that Senator Joel made a decision. [1:34] Last night lang. [1:35] O, kasi ginausap pa niya sa iyo, nag-heart talk yata sila ni Senator Alan. [1:39] Ano man, anong i-offer namin? Siguro, committee. [1:43] I don't know, anong committee. [1:44] But rather than that, kung other matters, I mean, legal, wala nang kaming capability, wala kaming... [1:52] Dapat nakausapin si Ombudsman, di ba? [1:57] Other members of the Cayetano Block, Senators Aimee Marcos, Loren de Garda, and Bongo, [2:02] also attended the Commission on Appointments deliberation. [2:05] Marcos says she just wants to work. [2:07] Every day is a fresh start, and we welcome, recognize, and congratulate the new leadership [2:16] who are dear friends, who are competent public servants, and we in the minority, [2:24] because I remain to be in the minority, will collaborate for the good of the Filipino people. [2:31] Senator Pia Cayetano also came to the afternoon session, asked if she supports the new leadership. [2:36] This was her reply. [2:38] May 13, di ba? Common sense, di ba? What's in the rules? What's in the Constitution? [2:42] When you have 13, yun lang. So pag hindi sumunod sa rules, yun lang naman kami may problema. [2:47] Pero pag sumunod sa Constitution at sa rules, there's no problem. That's just how it is. [2:50] Thank you. [2:50] Senator Camille Villar was also present in the afternoon session, but did not give an interview. [2:56] While the leadership row has finally been put to rest, [2:59] the minority bloc is still waiting for the decision of the Supreme Court. [3:03] On its petition, seeking to declare as null and void the June 3 session, [3:08] where Gatchalian was elected as Senate President pro tempore due to the supposed lack of quorum. [3:13] Yan yan ang kalutasan ng Korte Suprema. [3:15] Kasi ang aming tinatanong, hindi naman yun today. [3:18] Alam mo naman yun, di ba? [3:19] Yung nangyari na reorganization noong June 3 na walang 13. [3:25] Pero ngayon, inayos nila. [3:26] In a manifestation, the new minority bloc, through Ligarda, said they chose Senator Alan Cayetano as minority leader. [3:34] Cayetano did not show up during the special session. [3:37] The first session, in the first special session of the 20th Congress on the part of the Senate, is hereby adjoined, Sinedie. [3:46] Maraming salamat. Mabuhay po ang Senado. [3:49] Victoria Tulad, ABS-EBN News. [3:51] House prosecutors hope the end of the Philippine Senate's leadership row will ensure the impeachment trial of Vice President Sala Duterte will proceed without delay. [4:02] House leaders say they are ready to work with the new Senate majority. [4:06] Vivian Gulia reports. [4:09] Hi, Sherwin Gatchalian. [4:11] House leaders congratulated Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on getting elected Senate President. [4:15] House Speaker Faustino Bojidi III says it comes at an important time when both houses of Congress continue to carry their constitutional responsibilities. [4:25] He gave assurances the lower chamber is committed to working with the upper chamber in advancing meaningful legislation. [4:32] House Majority Leader and Presidential son, Sandro Marcos, expressed confidence in Gatchalian's leadership. [4:37] We look forward to working with him. I have worked with him during my time as a congressman, and I know how level-headed and how level-headed he can be. [4:47] So I think that's exactly what this current political climate needs, especially there in the Senate, level-headedness and, you know, just the need for all of us to really get back to work. [5:00] Asked whether this is a good thing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sala Duterte, he gave this response. [5:06] I believe in all the Senators' ability to be impartial and fair. [5:11] House impeachment prosecutor Laila De Lima meanwhile expects the 30th trial to proceed unhampered now that the leadership issues at the upper chamber are resolved. [5:20] House trial spokespersons echo her sentiment. [5:23] Wala na pong dapat balakid sa pagtutuloy ng paglilitis on July 6, and more importantly, the upcoming pre-trial ng June 18. [5:32] This is a welcome development, and now that the Senate has resolved the leadership issue, we also hope that the Senate can focus now with its constitutional duty to proceed with impeachment trial without necessary delay and other distractions. [5:51] Adyong says the House prosecution will respect the Senate impeachment court's decision on who will preside over Duterte's impeachment trial, even if that is Senator Francis Escudero. [6:01] During the 19th Congress, Escudero was a presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court when it ordered the remand of the impeachment complaint against Duterte to the lower chamber. [6:10] It's water under the bridge now. We're talking about this new impeachment complaint. We are fully confident that whoever sits there as a presiding officer, because of the degree and the volume of evidence that we will provide and we will present to the court, we are confident that we can actually get this through. [6:32] The House impeachment trial spokespersons also criticized the pre-trial brief submitted by Duterte's camp. [6:38] Bahagi po ito ng paghanap ng butas ni VP Sara Duterte. Hindi lang ito strategy, pero pag-iwas pa rin ito sa pananagutan. Gusto natin ng sagot. [6:49] During this special session on Wednesday, the House of Representatives formally authorized its prosecutors to act on its behalf in all pre-trial proceedings and incidental matters before the Senate impeachment court. [7:01] Vivian Gullia, ABS-CBN News. [7:04] A Philippine Justice Department investigation of the May 13 shooting at the Senate says this was not an attack on the chamber. [7:13] Justice Secretary Frederic Vida says their initial findings showed no justification for Senate security personnel to have fired the first shots in their encounter with NBI agents. [7:24] Then-Senate President Alan Cayetano had claimed at the time that the Senate was under attack. [7:29] Vida says a special DOJ panel of prosecutors is looking at whether the shooting was meant to help fugitive Senator Ronald De La Rosa flee the building. [7:39] De La Rosa is in hiding after the International Criminal Court ordered his arrest in connection with the Duterte drug war. [7:46] And based on the initial findings, the recommendations of the panel include, one, to identify and establish the culpability of all persons who conspired and aided the escape of Senator De La Rosa in the early morning of 14 May 2026. [8:05] Second, to determine whether the NBI and media accounts that sniper shots appeared to have been fired from the fifth floor of the Senate building towards the identifiable NBI vehicle parked at the GSIS premises was part of the orchestrated plan to facilitate the escape of Senator De La Rosa. [8:31] At this stage, the investigation remains active and ongoing. [8:35] Philippine President Marcos Jr. is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Forum in the city of Kazan. [8:49] Katrina Domingo is in Kazan, Russia, with the latest on the Philippine President's trip. [8:54] Hi, Kat. [8:56] Hi, Tony. We're minutes away from the historic first bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin. [9:04] Now, among the expected highlights of that very first bilateral meeting between the Philippines and Russia would be a possible crude oil supply deal between Manila and Moscow [9:14] as the Philippines pushes to diversify its sources of petroleum products after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz exposed the country's vulnerability to oil price and supply shocks. [9:25] Now, aside from a possible oil supply deal with Europe's most oil-rich country, the Foreign Affairs Department says Russia's earlier pitch for a floating nuclear power plant may also be brought up in that bilateral meeting. [9:40] Beyond marking our golden anniversary of diplomatic relations, our discussions will focus on concrete areas of mutual interest, particularly energy and food security. [9:50] Manila is also eyeing a seasonal importation of fertilizers and meat from Russia to tame domestics. [10:22] The Philippines also hopes to attract more tourists from Russia as data from the ASEAN and the Foreign Affairs Department show [10:50] that majority of the 2.1 million Russian tourists who visited Southeast Asia in the first three quarters of 2025 chose to travel to Phuket in Thailand and to Bali in Indonesia. [11:01] The DFA earlier said that there is no expected outcome document on Russia's war with Ukraine, [11:07] while a geopolitical expert says that the Philippines will likely veer away from talks about defense [11:12] after former President Rodrigo Duterte backed out of a multi-billion-peso military chopper deal with Russia in 2022. [11:21] Now, Tony, after the bilateral meeting, Marcos as well as Putin are expected to proceed to a gala dinner along with other ASEAN leaders [11:30] as the 11-member regional box celebrates its 35 years of partnership with Russia, its 10th-largest trading partner and 11th-largest source of foreign investments. [11:43] Tony. [11:44] All right. Thank you very much for that report, Katrina Domingo. [11:47] The Philippines dares China to publicly release data it gathered from its supposed scientific research activities in Bajo de Masinloc. [11:56] Beijing's embassy in Manila had claimed a Chinese floating platform at the shoal was studying its ecosystem and how to protect it. [12:05] Kung ang ginawa talaga nila is for the conservation or preservation ng environment and for the benefit of the world, [12:17] it would be a good idea for the Chinese embassy to share with us yung mga data na nakuha nila sa paggawa ng illegal MSR sa Bajo de Masinloc. [12:30] China's foreign ministry reiterated the country's claim of undisputable sovereignty over the shoal, which it calls Huang Yan Island. [12:38] I want to stress that any activities China conducts at Huang Yan Island, including scientific research, [12:48] are the legitimate rights of a sovereign state and other countries have no right to interfere. [12:54] China urges relevant countries to immediately stop spreading rumors, making unfounded accusations and provoking incidents at sea. [13:03] Tonight, Philippine police say the deaths of two Ateneo University basketball players who drowned last week [13:10] was not an accident. [13:12] Ateneo basketball coach Tab Baldwin is placed on an immigration watch list after failing to appear before investigating agencies. [13:20] Alison Koh reports. [13:21] The Justice Department has issued an immigration lookout bulletin order against resigned Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin [13:31] and former team manager Christopher Quimpo, as well as three other team officials, [13:36] as the probe into the deaths of Rene Baterboña and Divine Adili continues. [13:41] This comes as 11 members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men's basketball team reported to the National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday [13:49] as part of the agency's probe into the drowning incident in Aurora. [13:54] Those who executed sworn statements included former and current players [13:58] Grayson Rogers, Sultan Barua, Logan Baltazar, Michael Asoro, Sam Reyes, Matthew De Luna, [14:05] Travis Roberts, J.M. Leal, Kyle Ong, Lebron Nieto, and Kiefer Alas. [14:10] Alas, in a recent podcast appearance, recounted the events of that tragic day. [14:15] While refusing to disclose any initial findings, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said [14:20] the agency is taking a professional approach in dealing with the players [14:24] given the trauma they experienced from the incident. [14:27] We have to realize also these kids suffered enough also. [14:30] May trauma din yan eh. [14:32] So I just want to make an assurance na the NBI will handle it professionally. [14:36] If I ask nila, the investigation will lead to somebody being responsible, do not it dadalim. [14:43] Matibag said the players' sworn statements will form part of the evidence being gathered by investigators. [14:49] However, he noted that the probe is unlikely to be completed by Friday as originally targeted. [14:55] He added that Baldwin is expected to appear before the NBI on Friday. [14:59] Just like with the coach, he said it was on Friday. [15:03] So tomorrow until Friday, we have some personalities that are still investigating. [15:08] PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Police Major General Robert Morico II [15:14] also urged Baldwin to cooperate with their investigation, which is being conducted simultaneously with the NBI probe. [15:20] Man up, be man enough to face the investigation in the interest of justice and equity para doon sa dalawang players. [15:35] Morico added that based on their initial investigation, the drowning incident that transpired in Ateneo's team-building activity was not an accident. [15:44] We're trying to establish right now, ma'am, yung positions nila sa lugar and who were swept away ng Karen. [15:53] Some of them already experienced na makainom ng water, including a foreigner. [16:00] As far as CIDG is concerned, hindi ito aksidente. [16:05] Right now, ma'am? [16:06] No, no, it's not. [16:06] Meanwhile, the NBI said it is also looking into the statement of Ateneo's Office of College Athletics [16:13] that it did not organize or authorize the outing. [16:17] More players and members of the Ateneo coaching staff are expected to give their statement to the Bureau on Thursday and Friday. [16:24] Alison Ko, ABS-CBN News. [16:27] The sister of fugitive ex-Philippine Congressman Zaldi Ko is revealed to be the joint venture partner of the contractor [16:35] behind a delayed flood control project at the Philippine General Hospital. [16:39] Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon learned of this while inspecting the project Wednesday. [16:44] Dizon was dismayed to learn that the P679 million project had made little progress nearly two years since construction began. [16:52] He gave the builder until the end of the month to complete the project and assured hospital officials that funding for the work remains intact. [17:01] Philippine Senator Camille Villar denies interfering in a light rail project in Cavite. [17:09] The ombudsman is looking into allegations the lady senator and her brother, Senator Mark Villar, [17:14] sought to alter the railway's route to have it pass through a Las Piñas area where most of their family's real estate properties are located. [17:22] Senator Camille Villar issued a statement insisting she did nothing wrong but still welcomes any investigation. [17:29] Senator Mark Villar also denies the allegation against him. [17:33] The Philippine Labor Department orders the owner and contractor of a collapsed Angeles City building project [17:40] to pay nearly 11.7 million pesos in liabilities and fines. [17:46] It says workers were allowed to continue operations despite a work stoppage order. [17:51] Investigators also found wage violations, missing safety requirements, and allegedly fake safety certifications. [17:59] The case is now being referred to the NBI and local authorities for possible criminal charges. [18:06] The May 24 collapse killed 30 people. [18:16] G7 leaders demand a ceasefire in Lebanon as they welcome a deal to end the war in Iran. [18:22] The fate of Lebanon, which Israel invaded in March to root out the Hezbollah militant group, is still unclear. [18:30] Israeli forces occupy a part of southern Lebanon while Hezbollah remains undefeated. [18:35] Iran is demanding that the ceasefire with the U.S. also include Lebanon. [18:41] The G7 leaders who are meeting in France say they are ready to contribute to the implementation of the deal [18:46] with a coalition led by Britain and France set to help secure shipping once the Strait of Hormuz reopens on Friday. [18:56] Iranian oil tankers sail through a U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in months. [19:02] Shipping data showed three tankers carrying around 5 million barrels of oil passed through the blockade this week [19:08] after the U.S. and Iran agreed on a framework deal to reopen the waterway. [19:13] The move is seen as adding to global supplies which have been severely hit by the Middle East War [19:19] and caused oil prices to soar. [19:29] Philippine shares are down for a second day as investors brace for the Philippine central bank's expected rate hike on Thursday. [19:37] The details from Michelle Ong. [19:40] Asian stocks recovered from an initial slide to head for a fourth day of gains Wednesday [19:45] while bonds climbed as oil headed for its longest losing streak in 10 months [19:49] with investors awaiting the Federal Reserve's policy decision for further clues on the outlook for global interest rates. [19:56] Here at home, Philippine shares are down for a second day as the much-anticipated BSP rate hike expected on Thursday. [20:03] On Monday, we were up by 6 percent. [20:05] So I guess it's very tempting for investors who bought maybe last week to actually lock in some gains right now [20:14] because of the significant gains, but I guess the question is, you know, [20:19] what will the others who were kind of left behind, what are they going to do right now? [20:25] So if you really think about it, if the peace deal really pushes through, [20:28] maybe people are waiting for what will happen really on Friday if this is for real or if it's not, [20:34] and if really a peace deal happens and oil prices go down sustainably, [20:40] and right now it's already below $80 a barrel, then that should be good for the Philippines. [20:47] I mean, we were one of the, you know, one of the most vulnerable. [20:52] In corporate stories, GCash's IPO bid takes a step forward towards what could be the country's largest IPO in history. [20:59] With the Board of Globe approving the filing of the registration statement with the SEC and PSC [21:04] in connection with the proposed initial public offering of its affiliate Mint, which is behind the e-wallet giant. [21:10] Under the proposed transaction, Mint plans to sell shares equivalent to 12 percent of its outstanding stock [21:15] through a mix of primary and secondary shares, with each common share having a carrying par value of three centavos. [21:22] The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported the offering could raise about $1 billion. [21:27] Meanwhile, SM Prime on track to turn over Balea Suites at Pico Terraces within the Hamilo Coast Estate in Batangas [21:34] by the fourth quarter of 2027, with most units already taken up. [21:39] Part of the 3 billion peso Pico Terraces development, Balea Suites is the second residential offering [21:43] in the five-building community following the successful launch of Ardea Suites in 2023. [21:49] And A. Brown receives from the SEC a pre-effective letter for the shelf registration of 12 billion pesos in fixed-rate bonds, [21:56] with an initial tranche of up to 5 billion pesos. [22:00] Tranche 1 will consist of three-year Series A bonds due 2029, [22:05] and five-year Series B bonds due on 2031, at an issue price of 100 percent of face value. [22:11] Proceeds will be used to fund RE investments, residential projects, and redemption of shares. [22:17] Offer period runs from June 22 to 26, with listings set for July 3rd. [22:21] In other news, Ayala Corporation purchased 35 million Ayala Land Common Shares at an average price of 13 pesos and 7 centavos per share [22:30] for nearly 458 million pesos as it moves to support its property arm, [22:35] which has already suffered an over 40 percent slump this year alone. [22:39] This essentially increases its ownership of Ali to 53.58 percent from 53.15 as of end March. [22:46] Finally, Ayala Healthcare Holdings, or AC Health, through AC Health Pharma, [22:51] continues to deepen its ties with Japanese companies as it enters a strategic partnership with Taisho Pharmaceuticals. [22:57] Michelle Long, ABS-CBN News.