PASAY CITY—The Senate scrambled to balance a packed legislative agenda during its plenary session on May 20, racing against the clock as the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress barrels toward its sine die adjournment. 

Lawmakers rushed to reshuffle their calendars to make room for critical priority bills while braceing for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. 

Following the intense session, senators immediately huddled in an all-member caucus to hammer out a final, compressed legislative schedule for the remaining days.

Tensions also flared on the floor as several senators took turns addressing a recent controversial security incident inside the Senate building. 

Amid the debates, the chamber pressed forward with a major leadership overhaul under newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. 

The reorganization aimed to stabilize the chamber's leadership and streamline committee operations before Congress officially goes on break.

The political shuffling culminated in the election of new chairpersons for key permanent standing committees. 

Senator Pia Cayetano now takes the helm of the powerful Blue Ribbon Committee, while Senator Imee Marcos retains clout over the Committee on Foreign Relations. 

Senator Camille Villar secured a dual leadership role over both the Environment and Government Corporations panels, Senator Robinhood Padilla took over Constitutional Amendments, and Senator Rodante Marcoleta was tapped to lead the Justice committee alongside a crucial seat on the Judicial and Bar Council.