Senate fragmentation deepens as multiple senators signal shift to minority bloc

Several senators have expressed intentions to move to the minority faction, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros, signaling severe institutional breakdown in the Philippine Senate, Philippine Daily Inquirer reports. The defections come amid escalating political tensions, veiled threats from Senator Panfilo Lacson, and leadership instability under Senate President Cayetano, with a precarious 12-11 balance of power at risk.