Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has urged senators to end their boycott and return to work, warning that important legislation may be derailed as the country faces political turmoil and global economic pressures. The call comes after pro-Duterte lawmakers began a Senate boycott this week following the loss of majority control, with one senator arrested for large-scale corruption and another in hiding to avoid arrest by the International Criminal Court.
Political Disarray and Legislative Paralysis
Speaking to reporters, Marcos described the legislature as being in disarray. He emphasized the urgency of passing laws to aid Filipinos amid the economic shocks caused by the Middle East war. 'Get back to work because it's important; we have a lot of work to do. We have to pass a lot of laws,' Marcos said.
The president noted that his team is exploring possible laws and amendments to provide stability and assistance to citizens during this emergency. 'We are trying to achieve some form of stability so that people can go on with their lives and plan ahead for their future; so that people can count on the assistance of government during this time of an emergency,' he added. 'We cannot do that if the legislature decides to stay at home and have a vacation.'
Constitutional Limits on Executive Power
Marcos acknowledged the constitutional limits on his power, noting that the executive branch is co-equal to the legislature. 'We cannot tell them what to do; we cannot punish them for what they are doing. They have to regulate themselves. And they haven't been doing much of a good job right now,' he said.
The boycott was initiated by senators allied with Vice President Sara Duterte, who are protesting the upcoming impeachment trial. Last month, 13 pro-Duterte lawmakers took control of the 24-seat Senate just hours before the House of Representatives voted to impeach the vice president. The political crisis deepened when Senator Ronald Dela Rosa fled after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, and another pro-Duterte senator, Jose 'Jinggoy' Estrada, was arrested for allegedly receiving kickbacks worth over 573 million pesos ($9.3 million) in connection with a flood control project.
Senate Deadlock and Impeachment Trial
The resulting 11-11 deadlock in the Senate makes it difficult to pass bills into law unless senators cross party lines. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, an ally of Duterte, justified the boycott by claiming the body is being 'held by the throat' and that majority members are being eliminated.
The vice president's impeachment trial is expected to begin on July 6, further intensifying the political standoff. Marcos's appeal for unity and legislative productivity comes at a critical time as the country navigates both domestic political strife and global economic uncertainties.
