Senate Doubles Down: Budget Hearings to Run Alongside Impeachment Trial
MANILA, Philippines, September 2, 2026. The Senate has approved a new working arrangement to speed up the national budget process while the chamber continues to sit as an impeachment court. Starting this week, the Committee on Finance and its subcommittees will hold budget hearings at the same time as plenary sessions, a move designed to keep the government's financial agenda on track despite the historic trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri explained the new schedule on Wednesday. From 10 a.m. to around noon, the Senate convenes for the impeachment trial. Then, from 3 p.m. onwards, Monday to Wednesday, the chamber shifts to legislative work. Budget hearings will happen in different halls of the Senate, including the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), while the main plenary session proceeds in the session hall.
“Impeachment tayo sa buong umaga... pagkatapos po niyan, legislation na po tayo,” Zubiri said, using the local expression that has become familiar to many Filipinos. He added that the goal is to “double time” on the three major priorities: the impeachment proceedings, the national budget, and other legislation.
What does the new Senate schedule look like?
The arrangement allows the Finance Committee and its subcommittees to meet while the Senate is in session, which is normally prohibited. Senate President Win Gatchalian moved to suspend the rules for this specific purpose, and the motion was approved without objections. Senators who chair the subcommittees will be considered present in the plenary and will not be marked absent.
This setup will run every Monday to Wednesday, with an assessment each week to see if it remains the most efficient way to work. Gatchalian stressed that the exemption applies only to budget hearings, not to other committee work.
Minority bloc raises quorum and budget concerns
Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano expressed partial support for the plan but flagged potential issues. He noted that quorum rules will be crucial, especially for passing certain measures. “We'll do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, then assess if it's working. I hope it works, and we all will work together so that it will work,” Cayetano said.
He also warned that some budget items could become contentious. “There will be substantial issues, especially with the budget, that I think may become contentious, and I hope we can still continue to work together on those issues,” he added.
In response, Gatchalian assured the chamber that the arrangement would be reviewed weekly to determine whether it remains the best approach.
What happens to the impeachment trial schedule?
Presiding Officer Sen. Chiz Escudero also announced that the impeachment court is considering whole-day proceedings starting in October, with no plenary sessions until the second regular session resumes on November 9. For the first two weeks of November, there will only be two trial days to make way for budget deliberations.
This balancing act reflects the Senate's commitment to fulfilling its constitutional duties, even under the weight of a high-profile trial. For many Filipinos watching from the provinces, the message is clear: the work of government continues, and the budget that funds schools, roads, and health centers will not be left behind.
Photo: Inquirer.net