The Senate must balance the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte with its constitutional duties as the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress opens.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano made the statement on Monday, July 27 after the Upper Chamber formally opened its sessions before the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Cayetano said the chamber’s workload will become more demanding if the impeachment trial extends for several more months, moreso, when senators start deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget. 

At the same time, senators must also act on the confirmation of presidential appointees and priority legislative measures.

“It will be challenging…It’s more concerning if this impeachment reaches up until October or November, because remember, November would be budget hearings here in the Senate,” Cayetano told reporters in an interview.

With impeachment proceedings occupying much of the Senate’s workweek, Cayetano predicted lawmakers will have limited time for committee meetings and other legislative work.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian had earlier disclosed that the impeachment trial and the plenary session of the Senate will be held every Mondays to Wednesdays. The rest of the legislative work may be held during Thursdays to Saturdays. 

“But given that our senators are elected nationwide, dapat pagpapakita din kami sa (we must also be seen in) other parts of the country,” the former Senate leader said.

Even though the trial period is uncertain, the Senate should remain committed to fulfilling all of its responsibilities, according to Cayetano.

“We just have to rise to the challenge,” he said.