PH Senate eyes national budget hearings on Saturdays amid weather-related work disruptions

The Senate may hold committee hearings on Saturdays as it looks to recover time lost to weather-related work suspensions and shortened office hours, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Monday.

Gatchalian said the disruptions could affect the legislative timetable as senators prepare to begin deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget.

“Yes, it’s really a concern. It’s the same with the impeachment proceedings because time is of the essence. When there are days like this when there is no work or an early dismissal, the items on the agenda don’t get discussed,” he said in an ambush interview.

“Worse comes to worst, we can make Saturdays an option for budget hearings if it’s really necessary,” he added.

The Senate shortened its working hours on Monday, Aug. 17, due to heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., in an advisory, said Gatchalian had authorized Senate employees to leave the office starting at 4 p.m.

Despite the disruptions, Gatchalian said the Senate remains on schedule for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“As we go along, we will monitor whether additional days or longer hours will be needed. So far, everything is okay. We’ll take it day by day since we cannot predict the weather,” he said.

Gatchalian stressed that adjustments to the Senate’s schedule would have to be balanced with the safety of its employees, particularly as unfavorable weather conditions continue.

Meanwhile, impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol said the existing rules do not specifically allow the impeachment proceedings to be conducted virtually.

“Even in ordinary courts, this is done only by exception. Before a video conferencing hearing can be allowed, either party must file a motion and provide a reasonable or justifiable reason why an online or virtual hearing is necessary,” Tongol said in a press conference.

He said the same standard could apply if the impeachment court were to consider holding proceedings online.

“So, if the impeachment court follows the same approach, a motion would likely need to be filed. A justifiable reason and a legal basis would also need to be presented to warrant allowing an online hearing,” he added.

-Paraluman News