By Samantha Yu
MANILA — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian officially assumed the Senate presidency on Wednesday after a strengthened majority bloc secured enough votes to install him as leader of the chamber during a special session.
The decisive development came after Sen. Joel Villanueva aligned himself with the majority, helping solidify support for Gatchalian’s bid for the Senate’s highest position.
The coalition behind Gatchalian now includes Villanueva, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, former Senate President Tito Sotto, Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, Chiz Escudero, Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, and Lito Lapid.
Gatchalian replaces Alan Peter Cayetano, who was unseated as Senate president on June 3 amid a dramatic leadership shakeup that exposed deep divisions within the institution.
Before Wednesday’s vote, Gatchalian had served as Senate president pro tempore following the leadership transition. However, his camp faced questions regarding the legality of the proceedings because only 12 senators attended the session that initiated the change in leadership.
The controversy has since evolved into a legal battle.
A petition filed before the Supreme Court by Cayetano and his allies seeks to void the election of the Gatchalian leadership, arguing that the session lacked the required quorum and therefore had no legal basis to elect new officers.
Joining Cayetano in the challenge are Senators Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Camille Villar, Mark Villar, Robin Padilla, Bong Go, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ronald dela Rosa.
Despite the pending case, Gatchalian’s election signals the consolidation of a new Senate majority that is expected to shape the chamber’s legislative agenda and political direction in the months ahead.
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