AlleNation

MANILA — With both blocs at the Senate convinced they constitute the majority, the chamber is locked in a power struggle that has led to competing Blue Ribbon Committee hearings and that has left Senate staff in the crossfire.

Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, elected Wednesday by the "Solid Bloc 12", said Thursday that there were no hearings scheduled that day since panels, including the Blue Ribbon Committee, still had to reorganize.

He also said, however, that senators can hold consultation meetings and bring people into the Senate as guests but not as resource speakers since there would be no committee hearings.

He added he would not order the session hall padlocked and that senators have every right to enter.

Battle of 'Blue Ribbons' shows an upper house still divided | ABS-CBN News With both blocs at the Senate convinced they constitute the majority, the chamber is locked in a power struggle that has led to competing Blue Ribbon Committee hearings and that has left Senate staff in the crossfire.

Former senator Francis Tolentino has been appointed as the new DOLE secretary, replacing Bienvenido Laguesma.