Metro Manila, Philippines – The so-called “blue ribbon committee hearing” earlier announced by former Rep. Mike Defensor will not proceed at the Doublegem EDSA Gardens Events Place, the venue’s management confirmed on Tuesday, June 16.

The management also firmly distanced itself from the event’s organizers.

“We would also like to reiterate that Doublegem EDSA Garden Events Place has no affiliation whatsoever with the organizers, participants, or subject matter of the event. Our role was solely that of an independent events venue provider,” the management said in a now-deleted statement.

According to reports from outside the venue, visitors and members of the media were barred from entering the premises. Senator Imee Marcos and former Governor Chavit Singson were among those spotted in the crowd attempting to gain entry.

In his June 14 announcement, Defensor had rallied for public support for the 18 bodyguards of expelled Representative Zaldy Co, as well as lawmakers allied with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s bloc.

Cayetano’s bloc has openly refused to recognize Senator Win Gatchalian as the concurrent acting Senate President. This same faction previously spearheaded its own highly contested flood control hearing, defying a cancellation order issued after Gatchalian’s election to the post.

READ: Cayetano bloc holds flood control probe despite blue ribbon postponement

On Monday, June 15, Gatchalian clarified that the chamber only recognizes the legitimate Senate blue ribbon committee led by Senator Erwin Tulfo. He stressed that any “rogue” hearings conducted outside the Senate premises hold absolutely no institutional authority.

The official Senate blue ribbon committee likewise disowned Defensor’s event, declaring it unauthorized and unconstitutional.