MANILA, Philippines — “Umayos kayo (Get your act together).”
This was Malacañang’s message to senators amid the weeks-long political turmoil in the Senate, particularly after Sen. Robinhood Padilla and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier jostled each other inside the legislative building.
At a briefing on Thursday, Palace press officer Claire Castro was asked about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message as disorder continued in the Senate. She responded with a call for senators to get their act together.
READ: Sen. Padilla, DILG chief Remulla figure in Senate scuffle
Castro also said Marcos will not tolerate the current situation in the Senate, as he is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) next month.
“The Sona may be affected, but the president remains focused on his goals and on pushing the bills he wants for the people,” she said.
“This will become an issue for the Senate alone — it will be a problem for the Senate. So whoever has the authority in the Senate should take action. For now, we recognize the leadership of acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” the Palace official continued.
On Wednesday, Castro also issued a statement welcoming the election of Gatchalian as Senate president pro tempore.
“What happened in the Senate this afternoon is in accordance with the law and the rule of law,” she said.
“The Palace recognizes and respects the decision of the new majority and the leadership of acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” Castro added.
READ: Palace backs latest Senate shakeup: It’s within the rule of law
She reaffirmed on Thursday’s briefing that only the leadership of Gatchalian is what Malacañang recognizes.
“The Palace recognizes the leadership of acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” she said.
The change in Senate leadership anew came after Marcos called on senators to “get back to work,” warning that the chamber’s inability to hold sessions has disrupted essential legislative functions and undermined government efforts to address pressing national concerns.
He said the administration is also currently exploring all legal options, including invoking the president’s constitutional authority. But he stressed that resolving the deadlock ultimately depends on the cooperation and commitment of the Senate leadership. /das /atm