Manila: The Senate is seeking to regain momentum after a 28-day leadership row that disrupted plenary work, delayed committee hearings, and affected key appointments, with Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian saying Thursday the chamber will now shift back to legislation and impeachment preparations. 'Babawiin naman natin 'yan in the next few days (We will make up for that in the next few days). So we'll go back to work,' Gatchalian said in a press briefing.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian mentioned that the Senate spends about PHP24 million to PHP25 million a day to operate, including expenses for personnel, offices, facilities, and other daily requirements of the institution. 'Well, kinompute namin ang budget ng Senado per day is about PHP24 million (Well, we computed the Senate's daily budget at about PHP24 million), almost PHP25 million, just to operate the Senate,' Gatchalian said, noting that the cost becomes harder to justify when legislative work is disrupted.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson earlier estimated that at least PHP700 million in taxpayers' money was wasted during the 28 days of turmoil under former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. Lacson said the period was marked by a shooting incident inside the Senate, the escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa while under Senate 'protective custody,' a session boycott, a failed destabilization attempt, and unauthorized committee hearings.
Lacson criticized the chaotic period, stating, 'The Philippine Senate in 28 days under Alan Peter Cayetano: Estimated Cost - PHP700M. Output - chaos, gunfire, Bato's escape despite ICC-issued warrant while under its 'protective custody,' session boycott, failed destabilization attempt, unauthorized committee hearings highlighted by one not presided nor attended by a single senator. What a waste of taxpayers' money!'
Despite the costly impasse, Lacson indicated that the election of Gatchalian as Senate President, along with other Senate officers and committee chairpersons, gives the chamber a chance to start over. 'This is a fresh start. And I hope everybody will cooperate, including the members of the minority,' Lacson said.
