The Manila Times

Gatchalian orders Senate lockdown

ACTING Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday ordered an indefinite lockdown and heightened security measures at the Senate following a “critical” intelligence report from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) detailing plans to disrupt legislative proceedings. Gatchalian banned visitors and mobilized severe protective protocols to safeguard lawmakers, staff, and institutional records from what was described as a credible threat to destabilize the upper chamber. The NBI alerted the Office of the Acting Senate President on Monday, June 8, regarding a “critical information about a security threat.” The intelligence indicated active “plans, attempts, or circumstances” aimed at disrupting the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings, compromising the safety of the Senate community, and targeting Senate facilities and official records. Invoking Rule III, Sections 3(e) and (f) of the Rules of the Senate which vests the Senate leadership with general control and the duty to maintain order within the institution, Gatchalian declared the sweeping security upgrade necessary “to preserve institutional stability” and ensure “the uninterrupted discharge of legislative duties.” Gatchalian ordered a review of security measures at the Senate following the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s consultative meeting on Monday, where NBI Director Melvin Matibag briefed participants on a possible security concern involving the Senate complex. “During the Blue Ribbon consultative meeting yesterday, NBI Director Melvin Matibag informed the sectors present that there is a potential threat to the Senate building and the Senate premises,” Gatchalian said in a statement. “The security and safety of all senators and all Senate employees are paramount. We will make sure that our work environment is safe and secure,” he said. The Senate regularly coordinates with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to monitor potential threats against government institutions and public officials. Security measures at the Senate complex may be adjusted depending on threat assessments conducted by the relevant authorities. Gatchalian assured Senate personnel and the public that the chamber would continue its legislative functions while authorities evaluate the reported threat and determine the appropriate security response. Sen. Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said the NBI security report should be taken seriously. “The threat is a clear and present danger. Therefore, serious considerations must be taken,” Sotto said in a text message. The Senate has authorized a two-day work-from-home arrangement for its employees to give way to a security review. A June 9 advisory said all Senate Secretariat and Senate Proper employees will work remotely from June 10 and 11 to allow authorities to conduct security assessments, inspections, and other precautionary measures within the Senate premises.

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