MANILA — The Senate is working to regain lost productivity following the resolution of a 28-day leadership impasse that stalled legislative proceedings, delayed committee work, and affected key institutional functions.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the chamber is now focused on resuming its legislative agenda and preparing for upcoming impeachment proceedings.
“We will make up for the lost time in the coming days. The Senate will return to work,” Gatchalian said.
According to Gatchalian, the Senate spends between PHP24 million and PHP25 million daily to maintain operations, covering personnel expenses, office maintenance, utilities, and other administrative requirements.
He noted that interruptions in legislative work make it difficult to justify such expenditures.
“When Senate operations are disrupted, those days become unproductive. Public funds continue to be spent on salaries, electricity, and other operating costs even when the institution is unable to function fully,” he said.
Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier estimated that the nearly month-long leadership conflict cost taxpayers approximately PHP700 million.
Lacson pointed to several controversies that unfolded during the period, including a shooting incident within Senate premises, the departure of Senator Ronald dela Rosa while under Senate protective custody, a boycott of sessions, an unsuccessful destabilization effort, and committee hearings conducted without proper authorization.
In a post on X, Lacson criticized the turmoil, saying the chamber had little to show for the substantial public funds spent during the period.
Despite the disruption, Lacson expressed optimism that the election of Gatchalian as Senate President and the reorganization of Senate leadership would allow the institution to move forward.
“This is a fresh start, and I hope all senators, including those in the minority, will work together for the Senate to function effectively,” Lacson said.
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