The Philippine Senate is experiencing a leadership dispute, with Senator Alan Cayetano insisting on his Senate presidency despite a rival bloc rejecting his offer for joint sign-off on documents. This has led to a situation described as having "two Senates."

A Senate probe into flood control projects has commenced under the leadership of Senator Pia Cayetano, who subsequently withdrew invitations to 18 'ex-Marines' to participate in the inquiry. Senator Erwin Tulfo also provided a briefing on the Senate shakeup and confirmed the probe's new date.

Erwin Tulfo has filed a lawsuit against 18 former soldiers concerning claims they made about a shifting suitcase. Tulfo stated that these claims were made during a proceeding led by the Cayetano bloc, which he asserts was not an official Senate hearing.

Lawmakers have dismissed the replay of the 'maleta' incident as 'lies' ahead of the Vice President's trial. This comes as the Cayetano bloc defied the new majority by holding a hearing on the matter.

A contested Senate hearing led by the Cayetano bloc in the Philippines is alleged to have provided a platform for 'ex-Marines' to attack political rivals, including Senator Tito Sotto.

Senator Erwin Tulfo issued an apology to the Cayetano bloc senators after he threatened to arrest them for holding an unauthorized hearing.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Robin Padilla escorted 'ex-Marines' to the Senate plenary hall, an event described as 'tulakan' tales, amidst an ongoing power struggle for Senate control between the Gatchalian and Cayetano blocs.

The Philippine Senate failed to convene its regular session after the majority group and presiding officers were absent, following a minority bloc walkout last week. Minority senators waited for over an hour, but the chamber could not proceed.