Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian announced a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement for all Senate employees on Thursday, June 4, 2026, following recent events in the Upper Chamber that reportedly affected operations and employee morale.
In a Senate advisory, Gatchalian stated that the measure aims to maintain the neutrality of the Senate bureaucracy. “To preserve the neutrality of the Senate bureaucracy,” the advisory read, allowing all Secretariat and Senate Proper staff to work from home. It also assured that this would not be considered insubordination, AWOL, or any violation.
Earlier, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano issued a memorandum asserting his continued claim to Senate leadership and insisting that all scheduled hearings on June 4, including the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, would proceed. According to Cayetano, the Senate would remain open, and he has authority over its facilities under the 1987 Constitution. He warned against “padlocking” the Senate and said he plans to arrive before 10 a.m. to ensure the session hall opens for the hearing.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian explained that the decision to suspend official business is related to leadership changes and reorganization of Senate committees. The Blue Ribbon Committee, previously under Cayetano’s camp, is now reportedly led by Senator Erwin Tulfo following majority shifts on Wednesday.
