PBBM Urges Senators to Resume Sessions
PBBM – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on senators to return to work and attend Senate sessions, stressing that the country faces urgent issues that require immediate legislative action.
His appeal came after members of the Senate majority bloc failed to attend sessions on June 1 and 2, 2026, following the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is facing a non-bailable case related to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Speaking on June 3, President Marcos emphasized that lawmakers have many important responsibilities that cannot be delayed. He pointed out that the government may soon need to approve a supplemental budget and amend certain laws to help address the ongoing oil crisis and provide assistance to affected Filipinos. According to the President, these matters require active participation from legislators, making it important for Senate sessions to continue as scheduled. “Get back to work! Get back to work because ang dami nating kailangang gawin,” he said.
Marcos also noted that legislative procedures require strong and valid reasons before a session can be canceled. Drawing from his own experience as a former congressman and senator, he explained that canceling sessions is not something that should be done lightly. He expressed concern that Senate work had been disrupted and suggested that issues related to the custody and transport of a senator should not be enough to halt legislative proceedings.
“Nag-congressman, nag-senator din ako. Ang rules diyan, bago ka mag-cancel ng session, you have to inform the other House three days before you cancel a session. And there has to be a very good reason for canceling a session,” he stressed.
The President questioned how the Senate could effectively perform its duties if sessions continued to be canceled. He emphasized that lawmakers were elected to serve the public and should focus on addressing pressing national concerns, especially during a period when the country may need urgent policy decisions and financial measures to respond to economic challenges.
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