MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday appealed for the Senate to resume its sessions, warning that the ongoing stalemate is delaying urgent legislative action needed to address economic pressures caused by rising global oil prices.
Speaking to reporters, Marcos said lawmakers must return to work immediately as several critical measures remain pending in Congress.
“Get back to work. There’s so much we still need to do,” he said, alternating between English and Filipino.
He said the government is studying possible interventions, including a supplemental budget and amendments to existing laws, to cushion the impact of the oil price surge on Filipino consumers.
According to Marcos, these proposals were discussed during a meeting of the UPLIFT Committee, which is exploring policy responses to economic challenges.
“We might need a supplemental budget and some amendments to existing laws,” he said.
Marcos also raised concern over the suspension of Senate sessions for two consecutive days following the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
He said assisting a detained senator should not justify halting legislative proceedings.
“That should not be enough reason to suspend a session,” he said.
The President further warned that the situation is weakening the Senate’s institutional stability.
“These developments have thrown the Senate into disarray and disrupted its leadership. Legislative work has been effectively stopped,” Marcos said.
He stressed that while other branches of government continue to operate, the Senate’s inactivity comes at a critical time when public assistance and economic stability measures are needed.
“The government must be able to provide stability so people can plan their lives and rely on support during this crisis,” he added.
The Senate has been unable to convene since Monday after several members of the majority bloc reportedly boycotted sessions following Estrada’s arrest.
ia/xf
