WATCH: Two Former Senate Presidents Say Senate Shakeup Stands, But…

Former Senate president Franklin Drilon and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed belief on Wednesday, June 3, that the chamber’s reorganization was valid although there would be questions about its legality.

Drilon told “The Big Story” on that the recent Senate leadership shakeup would stand unless the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional.

Drilon said Cayetano is now “like a king without a kingdom” as the new majority bloc already controls the Senate.

But Drilon also expects legal challenges to emerge as questions arise over the legitimacy of the chamber’s new leadership setup.

Drilon also clarified that the Constitution does not explicitly require the Senate president to preside over the impeachment court.

He explained that while Senate rules assign the role to the Senate president, these rules are internal and can be amended.

For his part, Pimentel told “Sa Totoo Lang” on One PH that Cayetano had become ineffective as Senate president as he had lost the numbers to support his moves.

While Cayetano could not be replaced as Senate president since 13 votes were needed, Pimentel said the new majority’s actions on Wednesday were valid because they had a quorum.

He cautioned the senators against conducting hearings when the committees were not yet fully constituted due to the current bickering.

Former senator Richard Gordon told “Storycon” on One News said Cayetano would become a “toothless” leader if the 12-member bloc maintains control of the chamber’s majority.