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Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday evening authorized Senate offices to shift to a work-from-home setup on Thursday, June 4, citing no official business that day.

The work-from-home setup coincided with the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the flood-control mess announced by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

According to the memorandum issued hours after Gatchalian was elected Senate Pro Tempore, the work-from-home setup would give way “to the organization of committees under the new chairpersons.” It said no official business had been scheduled for that date.

“In light of these developments and to preserve the neutrality of the Senate bureaucracy, all Senate Secretariat and Senate Proper offices are hereby authorized to work from home (WFH) on the said date,” the memorandum read.

Saying he was still “the legitimate, legal, and moral Senate President,” Cayetano said the hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee would proceed as scheduled on Thursday.

The Blue Ribbon Committee, under his leadership, is chaired by his sister, Sen. Pia Cayetano.

“But tomorrow, the hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee will proceed. I am still the legitimate, legal, and moral Senate President of the Republic of the Philippines, and there are still functioning committees. We have to hear the testimonies. Even those who committed illegal acts today are invited,” Cayetano said on Facebook.

Cayetano also warned of a constitutional crisis and protests if a padlocked Senate would get in the way of the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

Among those invited to the hearing are Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and the 18 Marines who said they delivered bags of cash to politicians.

“Do not padlock the Senate. Do not use the excuse that there is a rally; there is always a rally at the Senate anyway,” Cayetano said.

“Do not tempt the Filipino people to come out in thousands, [hundreds of] thousands, and millions,” he added.

Sen. Pia Cayetano, who was elected chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Wednesday, said the hearing will push through on Monday, June 8.

In the memorandum, Gatchalian noted that the recent events at the chamber “have affected not only the ability of the Senate to fulfill its mandate but more so, the morale of its employees who have quietly been holding the line, doing their sworn duty despite the untenable political climate which they had nothing to do with.”

“No officer or employee shall be deemed insubordinate, absent without leave, or otherwise administratively responsible for opting to avail of the arrangement,” it read.

“The Senate leadership remains committed to protecting their welfare, preserving their professional integrity, and ensuring that no employee acting in good faith shall be subjected to intimidation, retaliation, or unwarranted administrative action.”

Senate

The Senate is a key legislative body in many governments, most notably the United States Senate, which was established in 1789 as part of the U.S. Congress. It was created to provide equal representation for each state, with two senators per state, and has played a central role in shaping American law and policy. The term also refers to similar institutions in other countries, often serving as an upper house that reviews and revises legislation.

Blue Ribbon Committee

The “Blue Ribbon Committee” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a term commonly used to describe a high-level, expert panel convened to investigate a specific issue or make recommendations. Historically, the phrase originates from the British naval practice of awarding a blue ribbon to the fastest transatlantic ship, later adopted to signify excellence and impartiality in such committees. These groups are often formed by governments or organizations to address complex problems, with their “blue ribbon” status implying a nonpartisan, authoritative approach.

Republic of the Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago of over 7,600 islands, known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage. Its history includes early Malay and indigenous settlements, centuries of Spanish colonization starting in the 16th century, and subsequent American rule before gaining full independence in 1946. Today, it is a democratic republic with a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, reflected in its languages, cuisine, and traditions.