MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is considering holding committee hearings on the proposed 2027 national budget on Saturdays should work suspensions persist, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Gatchalian said such work disruptions are a concern for the legislative calendar, as it juggles deliberations on the proposed national budget and the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
"Worse comes to worst, we can make Saturdays an option for budget hearings if it’s really necessary," Gatchalian said.
"It’s really a concern. It’s the same with the impeachment proceedings because time is of the essence. When there are days like this when there is no work or an early dismissal, the items on the agenda don’t get discussed," he added.
Gatchalian said the impeachment trial remains manageable despite losing one day because of a weather-related suspension.
"As we go along, we will monitor whether longer days or longer hours will be needed because we cannot predict the weather," he said.
