The camp of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has proposed an interim arrangement with the faction led by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian to keep the Senate and the impeachment court functioning despite the unresolved leadership dispute.
In a June 7 letter, Cayetano directed lawyer Jose Luis Montales, the Senate secretary recognized by his bloc, to open discussions with Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who is under the Gatchalian-led group, on possible temporary mechanisms to ensure that daily Senate operations and impeachment proceedings are not stalled.
Cayetano maintained that last week’s Senate reorganization was illegal, but said the institutional impasse should not paralyze the chamber, disrupt public service, or delay the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Under the previously released calendar, the impeachment court is scheduled to issue the Notice of Pre-Trial on June 9, which would mark the start of pre-trial proceedings.
“Pending resolution (by the Supreme Court), it is imperative that the resulting legal and political dispute not be allowed to unnecessarily disrupt the operations of the Senate, impair the work of the impeachment court, or diminish the institution’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities,” Cayetano said.
On Monday, Montales wrote Bantug to request a meeting “to discuss the possible way forward that may preserve the continuity of institutional operations and allow the impeachment proceedings to move forward in an orderly manner.”
Montales proposed a “dual-signatory or joint certification” setup for vouchers, checks, disbursements, contracts, personnel actions, and other documents necessary for the continued operations of the Senate and the impeachment court.
Under the proposed mechanism, documents requiring approval or certification may, when practicable, carry the signatures of officials currently exercising the relevant functions and those asserting authority to perform the same roles.
Cayetano said the proposed arrangement would serve only as a practical institutional measure to preserve Senate operations during an extraordinary situation.
He said the mechanism would also protect Senate employees from being caught in the middle of the leadership conflict.
“They should not be subjected to pressure arising from matters beyond their duties and competence to determine. Public servants who have faithfully served this institution for many years should not become collateral casualties or unwilling instruments in a legal and political conflict not of their making,” Cayetano said.
Bantug acknowledged receipt of Montales’ letter but said the Gatchalian side would still study the proposal.
Meanwhile, Sen. Erwin Tulfo apologized to Senate employees after warning that those who would not follow directives from Gatchalian could be investigated and charged with insubordination.
“My remarks were driven by intense emotion and extreme frustration over stalled legislative proceedings, but that does not excuse my behavior. It was highly inappropriate, and it is not how a public official should conduct themselves,” Tulfo said.
“I am sorry,” he added.
Rosel Eugenio, president of the Sandigan ng mga Empleyadong Nagkakaisa sa Adhikain ng Demokratikong Organisasyon, accepted Tulfo’s apology on behalf of the Senate workforce, saying the senator’s statement appeared sincere.
Eugenio said the union is looking forward to a meeting with Tulfo to foster a more collaborative working relationship.
Tulfo also appealed for broader unity within the Senate and urged his colleagues to resolve the leadership impasse so the chamber can fully resume its duties, particularly in passing measures needed to address the concerns of Filipinos.