President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed deep disappointment over what he describes as the current state of disarray in the legislature, particularly the Senate, after it failed to hold sessions due to a lack of quorum. According to the President, the situation in the Senate is the exact opposite of what the government aims to achieve: stability that allows citizens to plan for their future and rely on government assistance during emergencies.
President's Statement
In a statement, President Marcos said, “The best description I can have is that the legislature is now in disarray. But that is exactly the opposite from what we are trying to achieve. We are trying to achieve some form of stability so that people can get on with their lives, so that people can plan ahead for their future, so that people can count on the assistance of government during this time of an emergency. We cannot do that if the legislature decides to stay at home and have a vacation. That is anathema to everything that governance is about.”
The President emphasized that the legislature cannot be helpful if lawmakers choose to remain at home and go on vacation, which he said goes against the true meaning of governance. He added that in his entire political life, he never imagined that the Senate, once considered an august body in the Philippines, would reach such a state.
Historical Context
President Marcos noted, “I never imagined in my entire life — my entire political life — that such a thing could happen, especially to the august — it’s not longer august now — but to the august body of the Upper House, the Senate and the Philippines.” His remarks highlight a significant shift in the perception of the Senate, which was historically regarded as a respected institution.
Impact on Governance
The lack of quorum and the resulting disarray have stalled legislative processes, delaying crucial emergency assistance and undermining the government's efforts to provide stability. The President stressed that the Senate's inaction directly harms the public, who rely on timely government support during crises.
Call for Action
President Marcos urged lawmakers to prioritize their duties and return to work, emphasizing that governance requires dedication and presence. He reiterated that the government cannot function effectively if one branch chooses to remain idle, especially during a time of emergency.
