MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said legislative work in the Senate “must continue” despite ongoing political tensions and leadership disputes within the chamber.

In a report, it said that Gatchalian called for unity and focus on public service amid what he described as political noise.

“The Senate joins the entire country in honoring the courage, sacrifices, and heroism of our ancestors who fought tirelessly to break the chains of foreign oppression,” Gatchalian said in his Independence Day message.

“Today, amid the noise of politics and the challenges that test our institutions, the true spirit of independence calls on us to rise above division and remain anchored on what truly matters: service to the Filipino people. The work of the legislature must continue,” he added.

The Senate remains divided into competing blocs, with factions disputing leadership following a recent reorganization of posts. Gatchalian was installed as Senate President Pro Tempore on June 3 after a group of senators convened and elected him, while Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has maintained he remains Senate President.

Gatchalian said the Senate under his leadership would prioritize measures addressing poverty through education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

“Hindi lubos na magkakaroon ng kalayaan ang bansa kung milyun-milyon sa ating mga kababayan ang nananatiling nahahadlangan ng kahirapan,” he said.

“Para ganap na matamasa ang kalayaan, pagsisikapan pa ng Senado na maisulong ang mga makabuluhang batas na magpapalaya sa ating mga kababayan mula sa kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng dekalidad na edukasyon, maayos na pangangalagang pangkalusugan, at marangal na oportunidad sa kabuhayan,” he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed calls for responsive governance, saying freedom is incomplete if citizens continue to face hunger, low wages, and poor access to healthcare.

“Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino ang isang pamahalaang nakikinig, maaasahan, mabilis kumilos, at hindi nakakalimot sa pinakanangangailangan,” Hontiveros said.

“Sa Senado, patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang kalusugan, kabuhayan, at pananagutan sa bawat pisong pera ng bayan. Babalikan natin ang mga panukalang nabitin at ang mga solusyong kailangan ng mamamayan ngayong panahon ng krisis,” she added.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said the country observed Independence Day with a “tired body but hopeful heart,” citing recent challenges and disasters.

“Ang ating kalayaan, binayaran ng dugo ng ating mga ninuno na namatay nang dahil sa ’yo — dahil sa atin na kanilang kinabukasan. Ngayon, binabayaran natin ito ng pawis at buwis,” Pangilinan said.

Senator Francis Escudero said independence should not only be commemorated but upheld daily through responsible governance and public service.

“Sa paraan ng tapat na paglilingkod, sa pagdedesisyon para sa ikabubuti ng bayan, at sa paninindigan para sa tama, ipinapakita natin na ang kalayaang ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno ay buhay at may saysay,” he said.

Senator Loren Legarda said freedom must be reflected in institutions, heritage, and environmental protection, stressing that the Senate must remain a space for fearless deliberation and public accountability.

“No fear, no pressure, and no interest should be greater than our obligation to the Constitution and to our people. The moment we allow intimidation, convenience, or personal gain to dictate our work, we diminish the very freedom we claim to celebrate,” she added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged Gatchalian during Independence Day ceremonies at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, where he referred to him as Senate President Pro Tempore.

Gatchalian was present during the event.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the public reaction during the event reflected broader sentiment on the Senate situation, noting both approval and disapproval expressed through audience applause.