Palace respects new Senate majority, recognizes Gatchalian’s leadership

Malacañang said it respects the decision of the new Senate majority to install Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate president following the latest leadership shakeup in the chamber. In a statement on Wednesday, June 3, the Palace said the change in leadership was carried out in accordance with existing rules and the law. “Ang nangyari sa Senado ngayong hapon ay naaayon sa batas at rule of law (What happened in the Senate this afternoon is in accordance with the law and the rule of law),” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said. “Kinikilala at nirerespeto ng Palasyo ang desisyon ng bagong mayorya at ang liderato ni acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian (The Palace recognizes and respects the decision of the new majority and the leadership of acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian),” she added. Another Senate shakeup Gatchalian’s installation marks the latest leadership change in the Senate amid weeks of political turmoil that have divided the chamber and stalled legislative proceedings. His name had been floated as a possible consensus candidate for the Senate presidency by members of the so-called Solid Bloc 11, who earlier cited his leadership style and handling of major legislative measures, including the national budget. The latest development comes after mounting tensions within the Senate triggered repeated calls for leadership changes and disputes between rival blocs. Marcos concerned over Senate impasse Prior to the leadership change, President Marcos publicly expressed concern over the prolonged gridlock in the Senate, saying the deadlock was affecting the chamber’s ability to perform its legislative functions. The President said the country needed urgent legislation and assistance measures that could not move forward if the Senate remained paralyzed by internal disputes. He also lamented the deterioration of relations within the chamber, saying the Senate had become embroiled in personal conflicts instead of focusing on legislative work. Palace keeps hands off Malacañang has consistently maintained that leadership decisions in the Senate are matters for senators themselves to decide. In previous statements, the Palace stressed that President Marcos does not interfere in the selection of Senate leaders and would work with whoever is chosen by the chamber, provided that legislative efforts remain focused on measures that benefit the public. The Palace has yet to announce whether President Marcos will meet with the new Senate leadership in the coming days.