Abbey M.

MANILA — Senator Rodante Marcoleta drew sharp condemnation on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after accusing members of the mainstream media of being "bayaran," or paid hacks, during the Blue Ribbon Committee proceedings at the Senate.

Marcoleta made the "bayaran" remark during the meeting at the Senate on Thursday, in which the 18 individuals who identified themselves as former Marines were present as part of the proceedings investigating the flood control corruption scandal. 

In an official statement, members of the Senate media condemned the remarks in the strongest possible terms, describing Marcoleta's sweeping claim that many members of the mainstream media are nothing more than paid hacks as not only irresponsible, but a reckless attack on an institution widely acknowledged as essential to any functioning democracy. 

The Senate media said Marcoleta's statement unfairly maligned media workers who risk intimidation, harassment, and even their lives to inform the public and hold the powerful accountable. They warned that at a time when disinformation and political polarization continue to undermine public discourse, government officials should exercise greater restraint and responsibility in their pronouncements. 

The Senate media further said that public officials who make serious allegations against journalists have a responsibility to present evidence instead of relying on inflammatory rhetoric that undermines democratic institutions. "The press is not the enemy of any political faction. It is not an extension of any political machinery. Its allegiance must remain solely to the truth and to the public it serves," the statement read. 

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) also weighed in on Thursday, urging Marcoleta to either prove his claims or retract his statement and apologize to journalists. "These sweeping statements threaten media credibility and expose them to potential harm. Journalists have a duty to report accurately and impartially, and it is critical that public officials respect their role as watchdogs of accountability and truth," PTFOMS said. 

The task force stressed that Marcoleta, who has previously championed accountability, should adhere to those same ideals by either backing his claims with solid evidence or withdrawing his comments and apologizing to the journalists he has wrongfully accused. 

"Casting vague aspersions against the media doesn't foster constructive dialogue. It threatens the very foundations of democratic processes by attempting to sway public opinion against those tasked with holding those in power to account," PTFOMS added. 

Marcoleta made the remarks during the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Thursday, June 4, the same day Senator Erwin Tulfo was tapped to chair the anti-corruption panel following the Senate leadership shakeup. Tulfo had issued a notice cancelling the hearing and rescheduling it to Monday, June 8, but former Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Pia Cayetano pushed through with the probe.

MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, June 4, 2026, reiterated its recognition of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Acting Senate President, as the Senate remained mired in a leadership dispute between two rival blocs.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the executive branch defers to the Senate to resolve its internal conflict.

"'Yung internal problems ng Senado dapat sila muna ang mag-sort out, sila ang mag-settle ng anumang kinapapalooban ng Senado," Castro said.

[The Senate's internal problems should be resolved by them first. They should settle whatever is happening within the Senate.]

Castro also made clear where the Palace stands in terms of official recognition.

"As far as the Palace is concerned, kinilala na po natin ang liderato ni Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. Kung anuman po ang ibibigay na mensahe sa ehekutibo 'yun po ang ating kikilalanin," she added.

[As far as the Palace is concerned, we have already recognized the leadership of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. Whatever message is given to the executive, that is what we will recognize.]

The Palace first issued its recognition on Wednesday, June 3, shortly after the Senate session ended. "Ang nangyari sa senado ngayong hapon ay naaayon sa batas at rule of law. Kinikilala at nirerespeto ng Palasyo ang desisyon ng bagong mayorya at liderato ni acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian," Castro said in a press briefing. 

[What happened in the Senate this afternoon is in accordance with the law and the rule of law. The Palace recognizes and respects the decision of the new majority and the leadership of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.]

Senate leadership shakeup

The power shift took place on the last session day of the Senate on Wednesday, June 3. Sen. Francis Escudero's decision to join the erstwhile minority bloc gave it a new majority of 12 members, against 10 in the Cayetano camp. Sotto moved to declare all Senate leadership positions vacant and subsequently nominated Gatchalian, who was installed as Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President.

Gatchalian said the new majority was "compelled" to convene, noting that Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano had been absent from two previously scheduled sessions. "After the Senate adjourned on May 26, 2026, session was scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1, 2026 and on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 but the former Senate President failed to appear in both instances," he said.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III immediately acknowledged and congratulated Gatchalian on behalf of the House of Representatives, saying that "a fully functioning Senate is essential to advancing legislation, exercising oversight, and upholding democratic governance." 

PBBM urges Senate to return to work

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on senators to return to work, warning that the chamber's inability to hold sessions had disrupted essential legislative functions and undermined government efforts to address pressing national concerns. According to the President, the administration was exploring all legal and constitutional options to address the situation, but stressed that resolving the deadlock ultimately depended on the cooperation and commitment of the Senate leadership.

Malacañang had earlier raised concerns that the Senate turmoil could affect the passage of priority measures before the sine die adjournment of the first regular session of the 20th Congress on June 6, 2026. Session resumes on July 27, coinciding with President Marcos' fifth State of the Nation Address.

Cayetano has maintained that his removal as Senate President was illegal and that he remains the "legitimate, legal, and moral" leader of the chamber.

MANILA — Chaos erupted at the Senate on Thursday, June 4, 2026, as Senators Pia Cayetano and Robinhood Padilla escorted 18 individuals identifying themselves as former Marines into the premises, defying an order by Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian that no official hearings would be held and that resource persons would be barred from entering.

Tensions at the Senate turned physical when Sen. Padilla and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla shoved each other inside the Senate building. The altercation occurred while Padilla, along with Sen. Pia Cayetano, guided the 18 supposedly former Marines, who were invited as resource persons for the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on flood control anomalies. 

Padilla and Cayetano had to personally escort the group from the building entrance, as Acting Senate President Gatchalian had earlier declared there would be no official hearings on Thursday, which meant resource persons would not be allowed to enter the session hall under security policy. 

When asked whether he intended to block the senators and the 18 individuals, Remulla told reporters: "I was walking out when I was pushed aside. How can I do that? I was alone." 

Senator Imee Marcos questioned Remulla's presence at the Senate, saying: "Why is DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla here? Many are asking if the Senate is just an LGU?" 

The incident unfolded after Gatchalian said he had sought help from Remulla to ensure order and protection of the Senate premises. 

Senate Leadership Dispute

The dramatic power shift that triggered Thursday's standoff took place on the last session day of the Senate on Wednesday, June 3. Sen. Francis Escudero's decision to cross over to the erstwhile minority bloc gave it a new majority of 12 members, against 10 in the Cayetano camp. 

The new majority bloc moved to declare all Senate leadership positions vacant, with Gatchalian presiding over the session and subsequently being installed as Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate Chief. Sen. Erwin Tulfo was also named as the new Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson, replacing Sen. Pia Cayetano. 

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who insists he remains the legitimate Senate President, alleged that the leadership reorganization was carried out specifically to stop the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing scheduled for June 4 and to prevent the 18 former Marines from testifying. 

The Flood Control Investigation

The 18 former enlisted personnel have alleged that they personally delivered approximately P805 billion in flood control kickbacks, reportedly concealed in suitcases, to fugitive former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and several administration officials, including President Marcos and members of his family. 

Lawyer Levito Baligod, counsel of the 18 individuals, and his clients are currently facing perjury and cyber libel charges before the Department of Justice, as well as charges of unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances. 

The Rival Hearings

Despite Gatchalian's firm stance that no hearing would be held, Sen. Pia Cayetano proceeded to preside over a committee hearing, arguing that the session in which Gatchalian was installed was "invalid," noting that 13 senators were needed to constitute a quorum. 

Present at the Cayetano bloc's hearing were Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who insisted he remains Senate President; Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who heads the Blue Ribbon sub-committee; and Senators Imee Marcos and Padilla. Sen. Loren Legarda also appeared, maintaining that she remains as Senate Pro Tempore. Due to the absence of Blue Ribbon Committee staff, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano administered the oath of the resource persons. 

Meanwhile, newly-appointed Blue Ribbon Committee chair Erwin Tulfo announced the panel's inquiry into flood control anomalies would resume on June 8, saying the schedule was being moved to allow all members to prepare. 

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano questioned why Blue Ribbon Committee resource persons were barred from entering the Senate, noting that regular guests were allowed inside and that the Senate President controls the premises under the rules.

Umaasa si House Lead Prosecutor at Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro na hindi maaapektuhan ng sigalot sa Senado ang nakaambang impeachment trial laban kay VP Sara Duterte.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto convened officials from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Department of Labor and Employment to coordinate a large-scale cleanup and clearing of waterway obstructions across Metro Manila.

The initiative is part of measures to reduce flooding, particularly as the southwest monsoon season has already begun in the country.

The effort is aligned with a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately mobilize agencies and implement flood mitigation and prevention measures ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

Among the key measures is the deployment of thousands of workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced, or TUPAD, program to assist in the clearing of drainage systems, esteros, rivers, and other critical waterways.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro read a statement from DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, saying all agencies will work together for Oplan Kontra Baha.

"Tuluy-tuloy po ang paghahanda ng gobyerno para sa pagpasok ng tag-ulan. Hindi po pinapangako na hindi na babaha pero ang assurance ay nagtutulung-tulong ang mga concerned agencies to ensure na mas mabilis humupa ang tubig baha at siguruhing hindi ito natetengga nang matagal katulad ng dati. Iyan po ang isinasagawa sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. kaugnay na rin sa Oplan Kontra Baha." 

[The government's preparations for the rainy season are ongoing. There is no promise that flooding will no longer occur, but the assurance is that concerned agencies are working together to ensure floodwaters recede faster and do not remain stagnant for long as before. That is what is being carried out under the orders of President Marcos Jr., in connection with Oplan Kontra Baha.]

Castro added that the agency's ongoing activities and project implementation will continue to ensure clear waterways and reduced flooding.

"Tuluy-tuloy din ang dredging activities, hindi rin tumitigil ang DPWH since November 2025 na mag-clearing at declogging ng mga waterways; mabilis ding nagdi-deploy ang DPWH ng mga maintenance crew sa mga lugar na binabaha nitong mga nakaraang araw. So, mga natetenggang proyekto naman ay tuluy-tuloy pa rin po at priority ito na tapusin ng DPWH." 

[Dredging activities are also ongoing, and the DPWH has not stopped clearing and declogging waterways since November 2025. The DPWH has also been quickly deploying maintenance crews to areas that have experienced flooding in recent days. As for stalled projects, these are still ongoing and it is a priority for DPWH to complete them.]