With One's Past

The Senate drama yesterday over how many senators are needed to officially hold a session directly mirrors a crisis in senate from 1949 involving Sen José Avelino (Avelino v. Cuenco). Back then, Sen Avelino walked out of the chamber with his allies to avoid a corruption investigation. The remaining 12 senators stayed behind and elected Sen Cuenco to replace him as senate president. When Avelino sued, arguing that 12 people didn't make a legal quorum, the Supreme Court ruled against him.

This landmark decision is exactly why today's senators are citing his case to justify moving forward with fewer members to shake up the senate.

Yet, despite Sen Avelino many accomplishments, he's best remembered for a different controversy. During a closed-door meeting, he allegedly pressured his party mate, Pres Quirino, to shield their colleagues from investigations, uttering the infamous: "What are we in power for?" in Spanish---the political quote that would forever define his legacy, even though it never actually crossed his lips!