Skeletons in the Chamber

Majority Caucus

Office of Senate Deputy Majority Leader Leonardo Gerona, Senate of the Philippines, August 2022

Just back from a committee hearing on Basic Education, Leon dropped his leather satchel onto the armchair opposite his desk, intending to dive into the impending stack of paperwork. The National Expenditure Program for 2023, the first under the administration of Bongbong Marcos, had recently been presented to the Senate. Leon was eager to thoroughly examine it, knowing it would be a laborious task.

Even though he had a specialized legislative team within his Senate office to assist in dissecting the budget, Leon relished the task of personally delving into it. His meticulous attention to detail had served him well in his Vice-Presidential term, during which the Office of the Vice President secured an Unqualified Opinion rating from the Commission on Audit (COA) for four consecutive years.

Armed with his dependable red pen, Leon began his mission. Each line of the budget received his undivided attention as he scrutinized every allocation, no matter how small. His pen danced across the pages, circling areas of concern and scrawling comments in the margins. By the time he was done, the margins of the NEP had resembled a scholar's notes, filled with astute observations and sharp criticisms about potential budget issues.

Leon was only on page four when a message from Senate President Lallie pinged on the Majority bloc's Viber group chat. As Deputy Majority Leader, he was privy to these caucuses, the first one he would attend since Congress began its term. "Hi, majority sens, need to bump up the Majority caucus re. The MTFF up to 1 pm. Have another meeting to attend before session. Thanks!"

Seeing the notice of yet another Majority bloc-only caucus, Leon couldn't help but look at the message skeptically. Leon had always been a fervent believer in a more inclusive and democratic approach to decision-making, including caucuses that involve all senators, especially for large bills with massive financial implications like the so-called Medium-Term Fiscal Framework.

Majority caucus na naman? Ano na naman meron at palagi na lang Majority bloc involved?

He couldn't help but question why the need to leave the Minority bloc from these conversations. What's so special about these caucuses is that the Senate leadership in the majority felt the need to keep these talks exclusive.

However, despite his former Vice-Presidential status and relationships with veteran senators, including the Senate President Pro Tempore, Leon was still a newcomer to the Senate.  Navigating the complex dynamics of the chamber and challenging entrenched norms could derail his long-term goals.

With this in mind, Leon suppressed his concerns, begrudgingly accepting the situation.

"Bago pa lang. Tumahimik na lang," he murmured to himself, frustration and resignation blending in his voice. Though he wished to speak out and advocate for a more inclusive process, he recognized the importance of choosing the right time.

Noticing the time on his Blancpain Villeret watch (pre-owned), Leon saw he had just five minutes to get to the caucus. He swiftly grabbed his satchel and strode purposefully towards the conference room.

Senate Conference Room, Senate of the Philippines, August 2022

In the nick of time, which Leon considered "late," he hurried into the half-full conference room. The room had a massive logo of the Senate hanging on the wall, while a long conference table meant to seat 24 dominated the space. Its overwhelmingly bright fluorescent lights buzzed in the background, but it seemed that everyone but Louie, who Leon knew was particularly sensitive to these things, could hear that zapping sound.

As he settled into one of the seats near Lallie, the Senate President, he couldn't help but notice the air of anticipation in the room. Something was afoot, and Leon's curiosity was piqued.