Gatchalian’s WFH directive deepens Senate rift, clashes with Cayetano’s order

Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on June 9 issued an advisory authorizing all the upper chamber’s secretariat and personnel to adopt a work-from-home (WFH) set-up from June 10 to 11, contradicting the directive of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

In his advisory, Gatchalian cited a potential security threat flagged by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin A. Matibag.

“In light of the security threat information…, and to allow the conduct of the necessary security assessments, inspections, and other precautionary measures within the Senate premises, all Senate Secretariat and Senate Proper employees are hereby authorized to Work-from-Home (WFH) for the remainder of the week, June 10-11, 2026,” the advisory read.

He highlighted that the WFH arrangement was intended to prioritize the safety and security of all Senate’s personnel while the authorities conduct appropriate protocols within the premises.

Gatchalian also posted on Facebook to reiterate the need to take the reported potential threat seriously.

“Hindi tayo puwedeng maging kampante. Kung may intelligence information tungkol sa banta, dapat itong seryosohin. Lahat ng banta ay seseryosohin natin,” he said.

He also said that the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) had been directed to immediately strengthen protocols, including conducting continuous security sweeps, increasing surveillance, and stricter screening procedures to protect senators, officials, and staff.

“We remain committed to protecting our employees’ welfare, upholding professional integrity, and ensuring that no personnel acting in good faith will be subjected to intimidation, retaliation, or unwarranted administrative action,” Gatchalian highlighted.

The advisory also imposed a temporary no-visitor policy as part of efforts to tighten access controls within the Senate.

“Ang trabaho para sa bansa ay magpapatuloy — ligtas, maayos, at naaayon sa batas,” he added.

In an online press briefing on June 10, Gatchalian revealed a potential threat from an armed group that could disrupt Senate operations.

He added that “it might be connected” to the 18 individuals who identified themselves as bagmen in the alleged flood control kickback scheme.

Meanwhile, Cayetano issued a separate directive instructing Senate employees to observe an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work schedule until Thursday, June 11, in line with provisions of the 2024 Collective Negotiation Agreement, which provides for adjusted working hours when a holiday falls on a Friday.

“In view of the upcoming Independence Day on Friday…please be reminded that in accordance with Section 8 of the 2024 Collective Negotiation Agreement between the Senate and the Sandigan ng mga Empleyadong Nagkakaisa sa Adhikain ng Demokratikong Organisasyon, the Senate ‘shall automatically implement the 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. working hours should a holiday fall on a Friday,’” said Cayetano in his advisory.

He stressed that employees are expected to observe working hours and comply with office regulations, including punctual attendance.

Who holds legitimate authority?

The conflicting advisories underscore an ongoing question of authority within the Senate, as two leadership claims continue to surface following the chamber’s reorganization.

Tensions over leadership began on June 3, when 12 senators formed a quorum despite the absence of 10 others, including Cayetano.

This led to the declaration of all positions as vacant and the installation of new officials, with Gatchalian being the Senate President Pro Tempore and assuming the role of acting Senate President.

To justify the move, the Gatchalian bloc cited the Supreme Court ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco and a 2015 Senate quorum precedent as legal bases for the session and leadership change.

The new majority has since been recognized by Malacañang and the House of Representatives. 

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) also said the quorum of 12 senators is constitutional.

The leadership change is likewise reflected on the chamber’s official website, which now lists Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and Senator Migz Zubiri as Majority Leader, following his election as chair of the Senate Committee on Rules.

While the posts of senate president and minority leader remain vacant on the website, as 13 votes needed to elect a senate president and the losing candidate becoming minority leader.

Despite recognition of the new leadership by other institutions, the Cayetano bloc continues to assert that he remains the “legitimate” Senate President.

These conflicting advisories have resulted in differing instructions for personnels, reflecting the chamber’s ongoing administrative divide under competing leadership blocs.