Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday rallied Senate officials and employees to stay focused on their work despite the political tensions, looming impeachment proceedings, and recent controversies hounding the chamber.
“Let’s be the best version of ourselves in the next few days, in the next few weeks with the impeachment [proceedings] . That’s all I ask of you. From there, let’s evolve together,” he told Senate department heads and committee secretaries on May 14.
Cayetano acknowledged the difficult environment surrounding the institution but stressed that the Senate cannot afford to lose focus at a time when public scrutiny and political pressure are high.
“We live in a world that you have to multitask. Nowadays, everything is instant. So we’re easily confused. It’s crisis after crisis,” Cayetano said.
“There are things beyond our control, but the preparation is there. We all try to give our best despite the circumstances,” he added.
The newly elected Senate President said lawmakers and Senate employees alike need to continue delivering results even as the impeachment process threatens to consume much of the chamber’s attention in the coming weeks.
He also emphasized the importance of teamwork inside the Senate bureaucracy, saying the institution’s work should continue regardless of who occupies leadership positions.
“[Let’s] work on things kahit sino’ng nakaupo sa Senate presidency or sa chairmanship. They will appreciate it,” he said.
Cayetano encouraged Senate officials to focus on long-term institutional work instead of political divisions, saying trust among colleagues is critical in helping the chamber navigate the challenges ahead.
He also emphasized the need to protect the institution’s credibility amid public criticism and political conflict, saying the Senate’s dignity must remain above partisan interests.
“Dignity is very important. That’s why what we’re fighting here is the dignity of the Senate. Kailangan natin mag-multitask. We all try to give our best despite the circumstances,” he said.
Cayetano also urged Senate officials to remain adaptable as the institution faces mounting political and legislative pressures and assured the employees that he would continue leading the institution through the challenges ahead.
“While I’m with you, I have to lead. And leadership matters,” he said.