Marcos recognizes Gatchalian as Senate leader in Independence Day speech

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday recognized Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian as the leader of the Senate during his Independence Day speech, marking the first time he has publicly done so since the recent leadership change in the chamber.

In his customary acknowledgment of government officials at the start of his speech, Marcos recognized Gatchalian’s new role.

READ: Palace: No constitutional crisis, Gatchalian is sole Senate leader

“House Speaker Faustino Dy and the honorable members of the House of Representatives; Senate President Pro Tem Sherwin Gatchalian,” Marcos said, then proceeded to mention the rest of officials present.

“A good day to you all,” he added.

Marcos and Gatchalian also exchanged a handshake during the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park.

Palace press officer Claire Castro has repeatedly maintained that the Marcos administration recognizes only Gatchalian as the leader of the Senate.

READ: Gatchalian rejects Cayetano power share proposal

This is despite Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s insistence that he remain the president of the upper chamber.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Castro dismissed concerns about a constitutional crisis, saying Malacañang recognizes Gatchalian as the current Senate leader.

“In the eyes of Malacañang, in the eyes of the executive, we have nothing that can be called a constitutional crisis,” she said.

“It is clear that the leadership we support and recognize is the leadership of acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” Castro added./dp