The Philippine Senate is open to scheduling budget deliberations on Saturdays to mitigate potential delays caused by persistent severe weather, Senate President Win Gatchalian stated on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Gatchalian highlighted concerns that repeated work cancellations or shortened office hours could disrupt the legislative timeline for reviewing the upcoming 2027 national budget, which is set to begin imminently.
“Worse comes to worst, we can make Saturdays an option for budget hearings if it’s really necessary,” he said.
The upper chamber reduced its operational hours on Monday as heavy rainfall driven by the southwest monsoon (habagat) prompted early dismissals at 4:00 p.m. to ensure staff safety.
While acknowledging that monsoon weather could also impact the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate leader affirmed that the trial remains on schedule for now.
“We’ll take it day by day since we cannot predict the weather,” he stated.
Gatchalian added that lawmakers are prepared to extend daily working hours or introduce supplementary hearing days if necessary to keep legislative business moving forward as the trial continues.