Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday said the Senate must balance the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte with its constitutional responsibilities as the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress opens.
He said the chamber’s workload will become even more demanding if the impeachment trial extends for several more months, particularly as lawmakers begin deliberations on the proposed national budget.
In addition, senators must also act on the confirmation of presidential appointees and priority legislative measures while carrying out their other duties.
“It will be challenging,” Cayetano told reporters at the opening of the Second regular session of the 20th Congress on July 27, 2026.
“Mas concern ko nga na ‘pag umabot ito [impeachment] ng late October or November, kasi remember kahit na November pa y’ung budget hearings dito [sa Senate], binabantayan na namin [nang maaga] y’ung sa House, binabasa na namin iyon. Iyon ang medyo mabigat,” he added.
Cayetano noted that the impeachment proceedings could occupy much of the Senate’s workweek, leaving lawmakers with limited time for committee meetings and other legislative work.
He also pointed out that senators, as nationally elected officials, are expected to continue serving constituents across the country.
“Y’ung session at saka y’ung impeachment ay Monday to Wednesday. Meron namang Thursday to Saturday, but given that our senators are elected nationwide, dapat nagpapakita din kami sa other parts of the country,” he said.
While acknowledging that it remains uncertain how long the impeachment trial will last, Cayetano said the Senate must remain committed to fulfilling all of its responsibilities.
“Hindi ko talaga malaman kung three months, six months [ang itatagal]. Meron nga y’ung sinabi ni Senator Win na sa takbo ngayon, baka umabot ng one year. Let’s see. But we just have to rise to the challenge,” he said.