Senate employees are not bound by political loyalties, says workers union

A union of Senate workers flagged that the ongoing internal conflict in the chamber has affected employees, noting that workers must be bound by law and duty, not by political loyalties.

The Sandigan ng mga Empleyadong Nagkakaisa sa Adhikain ng Demokratikong Organisasyon (S.E.N.A.D.O.) expressed its concern for Senate employees, especially those in the rank-and-file, amid the leadership changes in the chamber.

“While leadership changes and political contests are part of the democratic processes of government, rank-and-file employees should not bear the consequences of circumstances beyond their control, nor should they become collateral casualties of political struggles in which they have no participation,” the group said in a statement.

S.E.N.A.D.O said the leadership changes has led to confusion regarding administrative directives, work arrangements, and reporting protocols among the employees.

“Many employees have found themselves in the difficult position of determining which directives to follow in the absence of clear and uniform guidance from the institution,” it said.

Following the leadership change on June 3, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian authorized Senate offices to shift to a work-from-home setup on Thursday, June 4, citing no official business that day.

The work-from-home setup coincided with the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the flood-control mess announced by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

Despite the memorandum by Gatchalian, the Cayetano bloc still pushed through with the hearing on the said day.

The union lamented that Senate staff who assisted in the June 4 Blue Ribbon panel hearing became subject of criticisms.

“Regardless of the political positions taken by various parties, the employees involved merely performed functions assigned to them in good faith and in accordance with their official duties and responsibilities,” said S.E.N.A.D.O

“S.E.N.A.D.O. emphasizes that Senate employees are bound not by political loyalties but by law, duty, and public service,” the group said. “Under Republic Act No. 6713 (RA 6713), public officials and employees are mandated to uphold the public interest, demonstrate professionalism, commit themselves to public service, and remain responsive to the needs of the people and faithfully discharge their duties without fear or favor.”

The group also noted that many employees experienced “heightened anxiety and apprehension” during the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate building’s premises, wherein the subsequent presence of law enforcers “contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty among the workforce.”

“S.E.N.A.D.O., therefore, calls on our Senators, officials, and stakeholders to respect the professionalism and dignity of Senate employees. We likewise urge that no employee be subjected to retaliation, discrimination, harassment, or adverse consequences for actions undertaken in good faith and pursuant to official duties,” the union said.

Meanwhile, detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada said Senate employees should not be dragged in the political tension in the Senate.

“Ang mga empleyado ng Senado ay hindi dapat madamay sa mga hindi pagkakaunawaan o pagkakaiba ng pananaw ng mga halal na opisyal,” he said in a statement.

“Sila ay mga propesyonal na araw-araw ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin upang matiyak na maayos na nagagampanan ng institusyon ang mandato nito sa sambayanan.”

(The employees of the Senate should not be dragged into the misunderstandings or differing views of elected officials. They are professionals who fulfill their duties every day to ensure that the institution properly carries out its mandate to the nation.)

On Saturday, Gatchalian shared that he met with the members of S.E.N.A.D.O to discuss their concerns.

“Hindi naging madali ang mga nakaraang linggo, kaya higit pa nating paiigtingin ang bukas na ugnayan at pakikiisa sa mga empleyado ng Senado,” he said in a Facebook post.

(The past few weeks have not been easy, which is why we will further intensify our open communication and solidarity with the Senate employees.)

“Nakipagpulong po tayo sa Pangulo ng S.E.N.A.D.O., Rosel Eugenio, at iba pang mga kinatawan upang marinig ang kanilang mga hinaing at pangangailangan.”

(We met with the President of S.E.N.A.D.O., Rosel Eugenio, and other representatives to hear their grievances and needs.)

Gatchalian also met with the staff of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA).

"Nakipagpulong tayo sa mga empleyado ng OSAA, Senate Secretary Rey Bantug Jr., at Sergeant-at-Arms Alfredo Sotto Corpuz upang tiyaking ligtas at maayos ang takbo ng ating institusyon," he said in another social media post on Sunday.

(We met with the employees of OSAA, Senate Secretary Rey Bantug Jr., and Sergeant-at-Arms Alfredo Sotto Corpuz to ensure that the operations of our institution remain safe and order.)

"Hindi matatawaran ang serbisyong ibinibigay nila araw-araw, kaya mahalagang makumusta at mapakinggan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan."

(The service they provide every day is invaluable, which is why it is important to check in on them and listen to their needs.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News