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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate lifts 'no visitors' policy

Senate lifts 'no visitors' policy

Published Jun 29, 2026 02:23 pm

At A Glance

  • The Senate, nevertheless, remains under heightened alert status in preparation for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which will begin on July 6, 2026.

The Senate is now open to visitors once again, according to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

Senate of the Philippines Building (MB file photo)
Senate of the Philippines Building (MB file photo)

In a video statement released on Monday, June 29, Gatchalian said the Senate will now allow visitors in accordance with the institution’s Visitor Management System (VMS) being implemented by the Office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA).

“The Senate will now allow visitors in accordance with the Visitor Management System implemented by the OSAA,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.

“This includes continuous inspection of entrances, presentation of proper identification, patrolling the Senate premises, and other measures to ensure the safety of all,” he said.

“At the same time, my office is open to any suggestions. We will listen and strive to address them, while ensuring the right balance between security and accessibility,” the senator added.

The announcement was made weeks after the Senate was placed under heightened alert status following a leadership struggle in the Upper Chamber.

Gatchalian then temporarily enforced the no visitation policy and implemented heightened security measures and preventive safety protocols in the Senate.

The Senate, nevertheless, remains under heightened alert status in preparation for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte which is set to begin on July 6, 2026.

The senator said it is his duty to maintain stability of the institution and ensure the safety of all senators, staff, and other people working in the Senate.

“As your Senate President, it is my duty to maintain the stability of the institution and ensure the safety of all,” the Senate chief assured.

“Our goal is clear: to ensure the safety of senators, staff, media, visitors to the Senate, and the public,” he stressed.

Related Tags

Senate Sherwin Gatchalian Senate impeachment court Duterte impeachment case 2026
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