Palace recognizes Gatchalian bloc as Senate majority
Malacañang Palace stated it recognizes Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate president. The announcement followed a June 3 leadership change in the upper chamber.
manilatimes.netMalacañang Palace stated it recognizes Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate president after 12 senators declared quorum on June 3. Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration follows the Avelino versus Cuenco ruling and the precedent set in 2015 under Senator Franklin Drilon.
Session resumes after one-week delay Senator Francis Escudero’s attendance allowed the first session in a week. The Cayetano-led group had declined to attend, preventing a quorum. Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore during the June 3 session. Committee chairmanships and most leadership posts were reassigned at that time.
Background on the Senate division The impasse reflects divisions between factions aligned with the Marcoses and the Dutertes, groups previously linked by a 2022 coalition. Cayetano once ran with former president Rodrigo Duterte. The Marcos administration earlier facilitated the older Duterte’s travel abroad under Interpol obligations.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is inclined to grant Gatchalian’s request for a special session to address pending legislation, including a possible supplemental budget.
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