Cayetano bloc seeks joint sign-off for Senate documents

June 8, 2026 | 12:46pm

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s bloc is seeking a temporary arrangement with Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian’s bloc to shield Senate personnel from conflicting orders while the leadership dispute remains unresolved.

In a letter dated Monday, June 8, Cayetano bloc-appointed Senate secretary Jose Montales requested a meeting with majority-recognized Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who was appointed during the June 3 Senate shakeup, to discuss temporary arrangements for chamber personnel.

Montales said the request was made on Cayetano’s directive.

“SP Cayetano has asked me to explore with you possible interim administrative arrangements that may protect Senate personnel from conflicting directives and enable both the Senate and the Impeachment Court to continue functioning while the present controversy remains unresolved,” Montales' letter read.

Cayetano’s bloc proposed a temporary setup in which both sides would sign off on key Senate documents while the leadership dispute remains unresolved.

The proposal refers to the “adoption of a dual-signatory or joint-certification mechanism,” under which documents requiring approval may be signed by “officials presently exercising the relevant functions and those asserting authority.”

Attached to Montales’ letter was a separate letter from Cayetano’s office dated June 7, directing the Senate secretary to initiate the meeting.

The request came a day after Gatchalian met with employees of Bantug’s office and the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, led by Alfredo Sotto Corpuz, to discuss the “safe and smooth operation” of the institution.

In a post on X on Sunday, June 7, Gatchalian praised the “unparalleled” service of Senate employees.

Employees caught in dispute

The Sandigan ng mga Empleyadong Nagkakaisa sa Adhikain ng Demokratikong Organisasyon, or SENADO, an association of Senate employees, raised concerns Sunday, June 7, over the dilemma faced by personnel amid the leadership dispute.

“Many employees have found themselves in the difficult position of determining which directives to follow in the absence of clear and uniform guidance from the institution,” the group said.

SENADO also raised concern over reports that employees who assisted in the June 4 Blue Ribbon Committee hearing had become the subject of criticism, disparaging remarks and possible investigation.

“Equally troubling are reports that employees who assisted in the June 4, 2026, Blue Ribbon Committee hearing have become the subject of criticism, disparaging remarks, and possible investigation,” the group said.

Recommended