Senate Leadership Dispute Heightens Security Amid Payroll Concerns

• •Gatchalian assured Senate employees their pay is secure amid leadership disputes.
• •Heightened security measures were implemented due to a threat linked to a fugitive.
• •Cayetano's proposals for shared administrative duties were rejected by Gatchalian.

Amid a leadership dispute in the Philippine Senate, Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian reassured over 2,000 employees that their salaries and benefits would not be affected. Gatchalian held a Zoom press briefing to address employee concerns and announced heightened security measures due to a security threat linked to former associates of a fugitive. He emphasized that operational expenses would continue despite the political bickering, as he worked on payroll arrangements and employee promotions. Gatchalian dismissed proposals from Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who insisted on sharing administrative duties. The Senate has implemented a work-from-home setup due to the security threat, which has led to compliance from employees. Gatchalian's authority as the acting Senate President was reiterated, while Cayetano's advisories were largely ignored by the staff. The situation remains tense as the Senate prepares for an upcoming impeachment trial.