Senate to finalize reorganization by May 18

MANILA, Philippines —  Racing against time to pass priority bills before the sine die adjournment of the first regular session on June 6, and with the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte threatening to hijack its legislative focus, the Senate aims to finalize its committee reorganization by Monday.

The recent leadership coup that installed Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President has left all committee chairmanships and memberships vacant, sparking concerns over a potential legislative bottleneck.

At yesterday’s plenary session, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri underscored the urgency of resolving the chamber’s internal structure.

Cayetano said all chairmanships and memberships would be finalized and could be read before the floor by Monday, pending an all-members caucus.

To prevent a total halt in legislative duties, Cayetano ruled that outgoing committee chairpersons may continue presiding over previously scheduled and ongoing hearings until the new assignments are formalized.

Robin vs Kiko

Meanwhile, the Senate adjourned its session early after tensions flared between Senators Francis Pangilinan and Robin Padilla, after which the latter threatened to file an ethics complaint against the former if he refuses to apologize on the plenary floor.

Pangilinan was raising a point of order against Padilla’s manifestation regarding the arrest warrant issued against Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, arguing that the issue should be tackled at the committee level rather than on the floor to save time for other concerns.

As Padilla attempted to interject, Pangilinan raised his voice to assert his right to speak.

Minutes later, a visibly irked Padilla formally complained to Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, who was presiding over the session.

Legarda acknowledged the loud tone but attempted to defuse the tension, quipping that Pangilinan’s broadcasting background might be the reason.

During the suspension, senators gathered in the middle of the plenary hall.

Pangilinan was seen extending his hand to Padilla, but Padilla refused to acknowledge it.

Asked why he refused Pangilinan’s peace offering, Padilla demanded that the apology be made on the Senate floor where the incident occurred.

Sara distances from coup

Vice President Sara Duterte has distanced herself from the Senate leadership shakeup.

“What kind of leadership is there within the Senate, that’s the decision of the senators,” Duterte said in an interview in The Hague, Netherlands.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson has described the Senate leadership change as a “very ugly” spectacle, expressing disappointment over Legarda’s sudden defection without giving a heads-up to ousted Senate president Vicente Sotto III.

By tradition, an incoming Senate president informs the outgoing leader by noon, presenting a resolution signed by the new majority.

“Even for just a minute before session, Legarda should have at least whispered to Sotto (about her defection),” Lacson said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the Senate needs to recoup its reputation after the chamber became a “laughingstock.”

21 priority bills

Malacañang remains confident the 21 priority bills of the administration will be passed by June as scheduled despite the Senate leadership change.

President Marcos identified 21 priority bills for congressional approval, including the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, Travel Tax Abolition bill and amendments to the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act.

The next meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council is set for May 19, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said. –  Bella Cariaso, Helen Flores