Among those affected by Senate conflicts between the Majority and Minority blocs are military officials who are due for promotion.

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito was concerned that the confirmation of several officers may not proceed if the body fails to attain a quorum, reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

Speaking to DZRH, Ejercito said tomorrow, June 3, is the Armed Forces officers’ last opportunity to secure confirmation and promotion before the Senate adjourns sine die.

In a separate press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Francel Padilla said five generals were awaiting confirmation due to the Senate gridlock. They will be at the helm of newly-formed units.

Despite this, Padilla assured that the AFP remains non-partisan and prepared to adapt regardless of whatever decision other government agencies may make.

“It has come to our attention na mayroon nga pong five generals from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who’s affected po ang kanilang confirmation doon po sa schedule that will be given para po ma-confirm na sila. So this is our hope at this point in time ay sana nga po ay matuloy na po itong confirmation hearing for them,” she said.

“So at this point in time, we are awaiting guidance from the proper agencies to inform us na matutuloy na itong confirmation na ito,” she added.

The Senate session had not resumed since members of the Minority bloc walked out on May 26 to protest the Majority’s motion to permit online participation in plenary sessions.

Later, this appeared to be matched by what Senator Raffy Tulfo described as a “boycott” on the Majority’s end after Senator Jinggoy Estrada was arrested by the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in relation to his alleged involvement in an anomalous flood control project.