Senator Alan Cayetano: Senate Minority ready to take on heavier workload amid pressing issues

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano assured the chamber that the Minority bloc is prepared to assume additional responsibilities, urging fellow lawmakers to accelerate legislative work amid persistent rains and mounting national challenges.

Speaking during Wednesday’s Senate session on August 19, 2026, Cayetano emphasized the need for unity between the Majority and Minority blocks to ensure the chamber operates efficiently.

"There are some real issues, and I think all of us do want to work together to speed up the work," Cayetano said. "Given not only the climate but the number of problems affecting the country, people are looking at the Senate. The Minority, of course, joins the Majority.”

Cayetano made the statement after the Minority bloc completed its membership in various Senate committees, enabling the chamber to fill its remaining committee slots. He reiterated that the Minority is ready to take on a heavier workload and accept further assignments to help clear pending legislative matters.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the initiative, noting that he and Cayetano had previously discussed strategies to streamline operations and better manage committee duties.

"Thank you, Minority Leader, for the initiative to complete the members of our committees. And like you said, we had a conversation earlier on the various issues that will make the workload more efficient," Gatchalian said.

Cayetano pledged to maintain close coordination with Senate leadership to resolve remaining issues and keep the legislative agenda moving forward smoothly.

"I commit to keep talking to our Majority Leader over the weekend and yourself so that we can resolve all issues by Monday," he added.

-Paraluman News