Senate Leadership Change: Gatchalian Elected President After Deadlock
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian was elected and sworn in as Senate president on June 17 during a special session, after his bloc secured a 13-member quorum with the attendance of Sen. Joel Villanueva.
The Takeover
The election formalized the takeover of the Gatchalian-led majority, following a leadership deadlock with the bloc of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. Key members of Cayetano’s faction were absent from the session.
The Vote
- Sen. Miguel Zubiri nominated Gatchalian after the roll call, which indicated 13 senators present.
- No objections were raised.
- Villanueva’s attendance gave the Gatchalian bloc one additional vote beyond the 12 senators who had previously supported the reorganization.
Who Was Absent?
Senators absent from the session included:
- Cayetano, his sister Pia Cayetano, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Loren Legarda, and siblings Camille Villar and Mark Villar.
Cayetano’s Concession
Cayetano earlier conceded his claims to the Senate presidency, acknowledging that his bloc no longer had the numbers to retain the position. He had been removed from leadership earlier in June when his bloc continued a boycott of sessions.
New Leadership Appointments
New Senate officers were also elected during the special session:
- Sen. Tito Sotto as Senate president pro tempore
- Sen. Miguel Zubiri as chair of the Senate rules committee
- Sen. Erwin Tulfo as chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee
- Sen. Kiko Pangilinan as vice chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee
Context of the Session
The special session was called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Proclamation 1318 to address priority measures and appointments.