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. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News