MANILA, June 3 -- San Beda University Graduate School of Law Dean Fr. Ranhilio Aquino on Wednesday said the 12 senators who convened and elected new Senate officers acted within the rules, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco.

In an interview over IBC 13, Aquino said the Senate was placed in an "abnormal" situation after failing to hold sessions for two days due to the refusal of the majority bloc to attend.

He said the issue of whether 12 senators could constitute a quorum should be viewed in light of the senators over whom the chamber could exercise jurisdiction.

"Sa kaso na yun, sinabi ng Supreme Court, hindi binibilang pag you are determining the majority, hindi binibilang yung mga hindi sakop sa tinatawag na coerc...