President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged senators to resume their legislative duties, expressing concern over internal disagreements that have disrupted work in the upper chamber.

“Get back to work,” Marcos said in an ambush interview in Manila, as tensions among senators continued to stall proceedings, as reported by RH Leth Narciso.

The president said there is still much to be done, adding that he does not fully understand the circumstances surrounding the Senate’s recent cancellation of sessions. He noted that, to his knowledge, proper procedure requires notifying the other chamber at least three days in advance before canceling a session and providing a valid reason.

Marcos said canceling sessions for reasons such as accompanying a fellow senator to an event does not meet that standard.

Asked whether the executive branch could intervene, the president said his administration is studying possible options within the bounds of the law and the Constitution.

“We’re examining our options, we’re looking at the law, we’re looking at the Constitution and see how we can remedy the situation,” Marcos said.

However, he emphasized the limits of executive power over the legislature, underscoring the independence of the Senate as a co-equal branch of government.

“But it requires the cooperation and the commitment of the Senate leadership to continue their work,” he added. “Otherwise, the executive is co-equal with the legislature. We cannot tell them what to do. We cannot punish them for what they’re doing. They have to regulate themselves.”

Marcos also expressed disappointment over the Senate’s performance, saying lawmakers “haven’t been doing much of a good job” in managing their internal affairs.

The dispute within the Senate has raised concerns about delays in legislative priorities, as lawmakers remain divided over leadership and procedural issues.