'Evolving security concern' triggers Senate-wide inspection

MANILA, Philippines—An “evolving security concern,” which was confirmed by various  intelligence agencies, has triggered a comprehensive Security Survey and Inspection (SSI) of the entire premises of the Senate starting this Tuesday.

The SSI will be conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to the latest advisory issued by acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

According to Gatchalian, the  SSI would be carried out “in view of persistent information and intelligence reports relayed by the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and other corroborating security assessments confirming an evolving security concern under the context of heightened political tensions, ongoing impeachment proceedings, anticipated mass mobilizations, and the risk of actions that may threaten the security of the senators, officials, and employees, and disrupt, impede, or interfere with Senate operations.”

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The move is also  part of the heightened security measures being implemented in accordance with a memorandum  issued on June 9.

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“It will also help the Senate evaluate existing security measures, identify potential vulnerabilities, and undertake necessary improvements to ensure that our security protocols remain responsive to our current security concerns, especially in view of Proclamation No. 1318 on the holding of a Special Session on June 17, 2026,” the advisory read.

“To fulfill the institutional responsibility of the Senate to protect its members, officials, employees, records, and facilities, and in order to achieve an uninterrupted exercise of our legislative and constitutional functions, your indispensable cooperation is hereby sought,”  it further said.

The advisory was addressed to all senators and offices in the Senate.

The convening of a special session on Wednesday was called by  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.  so Congress could act on urgent measures and  appointments of certain government  and military officers, which have been derailed by  the leadership dispute in the Senate.

A pre-trial conference on the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte is also set for Thursday, June 18.  /gsg

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