MANILA — The Senate is moving to restore normal operations following a 28-day leadership dispute that disrupted plenary sessions, delayed committee hearings, and affected legislative work and key appointments, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said the chamber will now refocus on legislation and preparations for the upcoming impeachment proceedings.

“Babawiin naman natin ‘yan in the next few days (We will make up for that in the next few days). So we’ll go back to work,” he said in a press briefing.

He also noted the financial cost of Senate operations, estimating that the chamber spends around ₱24 million to ₱25 million per day.

“Well, kinompute namin ang budget ng Senado per day is about PHP24 million (Well, we computed the Senate’s daily budget at about PHP24 million), almost PHP25 million, just to operate the Senate,” Gatchalian said.

He said the cost becomes difficult to justify when sessions are unproductive due to disruptions.

“So if you count those days, those are the days na naging unproductive. Kaya nasabi ko nga in one of our press cons na sayang ang pera na ibinabayad ng tao sa sweldo, sa kuryente (that became unproductive. That is why I said in one of our press conferences that the people’s money for salaries and electricity was wasted),” he added.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson earlier estimated that at least ₱700 million in public funds was wasted during the 28-day leadership turmoil under former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.

Lacson said the period included a shooting incident inside the Senate, the escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa while under “protective custody,” a session boycott, a failed destabilization attempt, and unauthorized committee hearings.

“The Philippine Senate in 28 days under Alan Peter Cayetano: Estimated Cost – PHP700M. Output – chaos, gunfire, Bato’s escape despite ICC-issued warrant while under its ‘protective custody,’ session boycott, failed destabilization attempt, unauthorized committee hearings highlighted by one not presided nor attended by a single senator. What a waste of taxpayers’ money!” Lacson said in a post on X.

Despite the disruptions, Lacson said the election of Gatchalian as Senate President, along with new Senate officers and committee chairpersons, offers a chance for the chamber to reset.

“This is a fresh start. And I hope everybody will cooperate, including the members of the minority,” he said.