Sherwin Gatchalian: Senate work 'must continue' amid political noise

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday said legislative work “must continue” in the Senate amid 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 is currently embroiled in political turmoil as competing blocs continue to dispute leadership.

Gatchalian was installed as Senate President Pro Tempore on June 3 after senators previously aligned with the minority bloc and Senator Francis Escudero convened and elected him. However, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has maintained that he remains Senate President.

Gatchalian said the Senate, under his leadership, would pursue measures aimed at addressing poverty through quality education, healthcare, and dignified livelihood opportunities.

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

(The country cannot fully achieve freedom while millions of Filipinos remain constrained by poverty.)

“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.

(For freedom to be fully realized, the Senate will work harder to advance meaningful laws that will help free our people from poverty through quality education, proper healthcare, and dignified livelihood opportunities.)

Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed Gatchalian's remarks as she called for a responsive governance, saying freedom remains incomplete if Filipinos continue to suffer from hunger, low wages, and inadequate healthcare.

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

(Every Filipino has the right to a government that listens, is reliable, acts swiftly, and does not forget those most in need.)

“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.

(In the Senate, we will continue fighting for health, livelihood, and accountability in every peso of public funds. We will revisit stalled measures and the solutions the people need in this time of crisis.)

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the country marks Independence Day with a “tired body but hopeful heart,” citing recent calamities and ongoing governance challenges.

"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.

(Our freedom was paid for with the blood of our ancestors who died for us — for our future. Today, we pay for it with sweat and taxes.)

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said independence is not only commemorated but must be upheld daily as a responsibility.

“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.

(Through honest service, decisions made for the good of the nation, and standing up for what is right, we show that the freedom fought for by our ancestors is alive and meaningful.)

Senator Loren Legarda said freedom must be reflected not only in history and symbolism but in institutions, heritage, and environmental protection.

She said independence is a continuing responsibility that must be upheld through governance and public service.

“The Senate must remain an august chamber where issues are taken without fear, facts are pursued without hesitation, and decisions are made with the highest regard for the public good,” she said.

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

Gatchalian was physically present at the event.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the applause received by Gatchalian during the event reflected public sentiment.

“The cheering and applause this morning symbolized public approval and disapproval in contrast with each other,” Lacson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). —AOL, GMA News