Senate as Humpty Dumpty: Interesting scenarios of seizing Senate control

Reports that two neophyte senators, Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino, are plotting to wreck the Senate majority do not surprise us. The chamber, which in another time was called the Upper House and “a nursery for future presidents,” has lost its luster and purpose in the 16th Congress.

The Senate president was chosen not because of leadership credentials, but because he comes from the same region and political party as the President of the country. He brought no senators with him at the start of the organization of the chamber last year. The president pro-tempore was selected without thought of party allegiance; he did not even have to turn his coat.