OFFICIALS of the House of Representatives are in a quandary as to the real dynamics in the Senate owing to inconsistencies in the statements of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, from his March timeline on amendments to the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution to a so-called “ceasefire” that seemed to be mere lip service.

Reps. Geraldine Roman of the First District of Bataan and Janette Garin of Iloilo province’s First District observed an apparent pattern of what some may call a supposed “leadership vacuum” in the Senate.

Zubiri bared snd agreed to a ceasefire, but claimed Senator Imee Marcos is beyond his power.

“Here in the House, the rules are clearcut. The Speaker (Ferdinand Martin Romualdez) is in charge. He gives the command. He tells our Rules Committee chairman, Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe: This is our priority. Find a way to have this bill passed,” Roman narrated.

“Even if we have to work overtime, we will do it. We’re not the type who dilly-dally on our job here,” Roman, who sits as chairperson of the House committee on women and gender equality, stated further.

The administration legislator then tossed the recurring question to their Senate counterparts.

“Eh sa Upper House, who is in charge? Who’s on top? Who’s on the bottom? Si SP Migz ba o si Senator Joel?” she asked, referring to Zubiri and Senate Majority Leader Villanueva. “I’d like to find out. Please enlighten me kasi nga, it’s for the sake of efficiency.”

Roman questioned the hierarchy and leadership dynamics within the Senate, seeking clarification on who holds the real reins of power and decision-making, insisting there should be a clear chain of command, that should leave no room for ambiguities.

In his previous meetings with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos and Speaker Romualdez, Zubiri has repeatedly promised them the economic amendments bill, or the Senate Resolution of Both Houses 6 they authored, will be passed by March, before Congress’ Holy Week break. But a senator hinted this may reach October.

Garin made the same observation on the Senate dynamics, urging senators to walk their talk.

“Minsan kasi sa Senado mako-confuse ka eh. Kung iyung napag- uusapan ba ay naka-cascade ‘dun sa mga miyembro because that’s how leadership should be,” said Garin, House Deputy Majority Leader and a one-time health secretary during the time of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III – pointed out.

“So, maganda iyun na nagkausap na si Speaker at iyung ating Senate President, at nanggaling din naman sa Senado iyung kanilangtimeline na by March eh matatapos na ito (charter change). Ang kulang na lang siguro ay to walk the talk,” she said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

People's Journal