Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo on Wednesday made an urgent appeal to Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and acting Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, requesting their attendance to help restore quorum as an ongoing Senate impasse threatens to disrupt legislative activities for yet another day.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo emphasized the necessity of having either Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano or other senior members of the majority bloc to open the session and facilitate the chamber's resumption of legislative work before the sine die adjournment. Tulfo highlighted the importance of attendance by Legarda and Villanueva, stating, "We are calling, also for Joel Villanueva, to report for work so that we will have a quorum. Kailangan po silang dalawa mag-attend. Kung ayaw ni Senator Cayetano, at least silang dalawa (Both of them need to attend. If Senator Cayetano refuses, at least the two of them should attend)."

Tulfo pointed out that the minority bloc alone is unable to restore quorum due to its composition of only 11 members, thus necessitating the presence of some majority senators to convene a session. He stressed the obligation of senators to report to work because they continue to receive daily pay from the Filipino people, regardless of whether sessions proceed.

Tulfo further stressed that the Senate cannot solely rely on committee hearings while plenary sessions remain stalled, as bills and committee reports must still be presented on the floor for debate, amendments, and approval. He noted that the absence of the majority has caused delays in legislative work, leaving pending bills and other matters unresolved before the scheduled adjournment.

Tulfo urged his colleagues, "We need to work. Mga sir, mga madam, pumasok po kayo para meron po tayong quorum, mag-sine die na tayo ng Friday, wala po tayo nagawa for the past three weeks (Sirs, madams, please report so we can have a quorum. We are adjourning sine die on Friday, and we have done nothing for the past three weeks)."

The Senate is anticipated to resume work on July 6 for the impeachment trial. However, Tulfo warned that continued absence would convey a negative impression regarding the chamber's preparedness to fulfill its constitutional duties.