Manila: Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday raised concerns over the continued suspension of Senate sessions, highlighting that taxpayers are losing approximately PHP25 million daily as legislative work remains stalled.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, who previously chaired the finance panel, stated that the Senate continues to incur expenses for utilities, personnel, and operations despite the absence of plenary proceedings for a second consecutive day. He emphasized that the Senate spends PHP25 million daily on electricity, utilities, and salaries without holding any sessions, leading to no laws or resolutions being approved and pending military personnel confirmations remaining unaddressed.

The Senate failed to convene again on Tuesday amid an ongoing standoff between the majority and minority blocs, prompting opposition senators to appeal to their colleagues to return to regular legislative work. Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III and other members of the bloc stressed that the Constitution and Senate rules require the chamber to meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, urging lawmakers to attend the final session day before the congressional break.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed concerns that the continued absence of sessions has delayed action on pending measures and appointments awaiting confirmation. Zubiri noted that the public pays senators to work and legislate, not to keep skipping sessions.

The minority also cited pending measures on agriculture and health, including the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers and the Anti-Hospital Detention Bill, which have remained unfinished due to the suspension of plenary proceedings.