Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday urged the government to set aside politics and focus on the country’s most pressing concerns, citing the need for disaster response efforts in Mindanao and growing economic challenges facing Filipinos.

Speaking at a press conference on June 8, Cayetano said that when lives and livelihoods are at stake, ongoing disputes in the Senate should not distract from the work that needs to be done, particularly as communities recover from a powerful earthquake and the country confronts rising economic pressures.

“What’s more urgent? You can postpone a hearing but you cannot postpone a rescue mission. You cannot postpone y’ung paghahatid ng mga relief,” he said.

Cayetano stressed that while disagreements over Senate leadership continue, they should not delay necessary legislative work.

“If there’s needed legislation, good. We will meet right away. Wala tayong dapat conflict kung may kailangan ang ating bansa. Whether it’s legislation, whether it’s a meeting na LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council), dapat tanggalin [muna] ang pulitika,” he said.

The Senate President pushed back against claims that Senate work has stopped amid the leadership dispute, noting that committee work can continue even during a sine die adjournment.

“But aside from that, let’s remember that the committees can continue to work,” he said.

He cited a hearing conducted by Senator Pia Cayetano after the Senate adjourned sine die as an example that legislative work continues despite the tensions within the chamber.

The Senate President likewise warned that the country faces broader economic uncertainties in the coming months, including pressures affecting fuel prices, fertilizer costs, and food supply.

“The economic crisis is here. And every month until the end of the year, it will get much worse before it gets better,” he said.

According to Cayetano, these challenges emphasize the need for government agencies and lawmakers to work together and remain focused on addressing the country’s most pressing concerns.

“In that sense, kailangang magtulong-tulong talaga ang ating bansa,” he said. ###