Biliran governor urges SC to resolve Senate leadership dispute

TACLOBAN CITY — Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina has called on the Supreme Court to step in and settle the ongoing leadership dispute in the Senate, saying the uncertainty is affecting governance, investor confidence, and the country’s ability to address pressing economic concerns.

Reacting to the reported impasse over the Senate presidency involving Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Sherwin Gatchalian, Espina said the high court should issue an impartial ruling to determine who is the rightful and lawful Senate President.

READ: All 22 senators must attend special session, end leadership row – expert

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The Biliran governor said a clear and legally sound resolution from the high court would help restore stability and allow lawmakers to focus on governance and the needs of the Filipino people.

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“The Supreme Court should step in and make a fair and unbiased decision,” Espina said in an interview.

The governor stressed that while local government units (LGUs) have their own resources through their National Tax Allocation (NTA) and locally generated revenues, national government programs remain critical in delivering services and development projects to communities.

Espina noted that senators and members of Congress play a crucial role in reviewing national policies, as they assess whether government programs are effective and ensure that funding for essential services is maintained or increased when necessary.

“It is very important that lawmakers focus on their responsibility of ensuring that national programs are effective and truly beneficial to the people,” he said.

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READ: Senate urged to end row to avoid Duterte impeachment trial delays

He expressed concern that political infighting in the Senate could distract lawmakers from addressing urgent national issues, including rising fuel prices and other economic challenges facing Filipinos.

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According to Espina, cooperation and unity between national government agencies and local governments are essential to delivering public services and improving the lives of beneficiaries.

“There is a big difference when the national government and local governments work together. The people benefit the most,” he said.

The governor also warned that prolonged political instability could damage the country’s reputation abroad and discourage foreign investors from bringing capital into the Philippines.

“If the country’s image is damaged, investors may hesitate to invest hundreds of millions of dollars here. That affects all of us,” Espina said. “Without investments, there are fewer jobs and less tax revenue for the government.”

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Espina’s remarks come amid continuing questions about the Senate leadership situation, with political observers closely watching how the dispute could affect the chamber’s legislative agenda and its oversight of government programs./coa