Senator Gatchalian orders work-from-home setup for Senate, contradicting Senator Cayetano

Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has ordered all offices under the Senate Secretariat and Senate Proper to shift to a work-from-home setup from June 10 to 11 while stricter security measures are enforced amid ongoing security concerns surrounding the Senate complex.

The directive prioritizes the safety and welfare of Senate personnel following reports of potential threats in and around the Senate premises.

“Hindi tayo pwede maging kampante. Dahil kung may mga ganyang intelligence information, dapat seryosohin. Lahat ng banta ay dapat seryosohin,” Gatchalian said.

According to Gatchalian, the enhanced security posture is a precautionary response to information relayed by the National Bureau of Investigation regarding a credible threat against the Senate.

“I have directed the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to immediately enhance security protocols. Given the elevated threat environment surrounding the Senate complex, we have determined that the protection of our employees must take precedence over on-site reporting,” Acting Senate President Gatchalian said.

Security measures now being implemented include intensified surveillance, continuous security sweeps, tighter screening procedures, and other reinforced protocols aimed at protecting senators, officials, employees, and staff.

The Senate will also temporarily prohibit visitors from entering the complex as part of efforts to minimize security risks and ensure the safety of personnel.

Gatchalian assured employees that Senate leadership remains committed to safeguarding their welfare and professional integrity, stressing that personnel acting in good faith will not face intimidation, retaliation, or unjust administrative sanctions.

“Ang trabaho ng bansa ay magpapatuloy — ligtas, maayos, at naaayon sa batas,” Acting Senate President Gatchalian said.

The latest directive differs from an earlier advisory issued by Alan Peter Cayetano, who had instructed Senate employees to continue reporting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday. Cayetano announced the schedule through a Facebook post.

As competing advisories emerged from the two camps, both Malacañang and the House of Representatives of the Philippines said they would recognize official announcements issued by Gatchalian.

The conflicting directives come amid an ongoing leadership dispute in the Senate. Cayetano continues to maintain that he remains the lawful Senate president despite the June 3 move by 12 senators to reorganize the chamber's leadership.

In a separate statement, Cayetano cast doubt on the reported threat, arguing that the information originated from “a clearly partisan NBI.”