Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has warned of a potential constitutional crisis, urging that the Senate not be "padlocked" amid a leadership dispute. He claims 12 senators cannot legally declare positions vacant or hold a session, as a quorum and key leadership changes require 13 votes. Cayetano fears that attempts to restrict access to the Senate, particularly for the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, could incite public protests. He accused Malacañang and the House of Representatives of supporting the move to destabilize the Senate leadership, asserting his own legitimacy as Senate President. Cayetano stated that he is willing to step down if the proper number of votes is achieved.