MANILA, Philippines — With just over a month as Senate chief, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is the second "shortest serving" Senate president in Philippine history.
Cayetano was Senate president from May 11 to June 17 -- or for one month and six days following his ouster during the Senate special session called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Camilo Osias holds the record for being the shortest-serving Senate chief. He served for just 13 days — from April 17 to 30, 1952.
Cayetano was ousted as Senate president on June 17 after his former bloc mate, Sen. Joel Villanueva, defected to the majority bloc and became its 13th member.
Under the Constitution, a senator needs 13 votes to be elected Senate president. The majority elected Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president minutes after the latter opened the session.
Cayetano on May 11 unseated then Senate president Vicente Sotto III after securing 13 votes, including the "crucial" vote of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa who appeared after six months of hiding.