Applause for Sherwin Gatchalian shows public approval, says Ping Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — The applause that greeted Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged him during Independence Day rites on Friday showed public acceptance of his leadership of the Senate, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.

“The cheering and applause this morning simply symbolized public acceptance and approval versus public disapproval and disgust. No need to mention here ‘who versus who,’” Lacson said in a post on X.

Gatchalian was acknowledged by Marcos during the Independence Day celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila when the President recognized government officials attending the event.

Cheering from the crowd followed as Marcos mentioned Gatchalian’s name during his speech.

READ: Gatchalian elected Senate president pro tempore

During the activity, Gatchalian was seated alongside the first family, House of Representatives Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, and other officials.

Malacañang has repeatedly said it recognizes Gatchalian as the Senate’s leader, with Palace press officer Claire Castro earlier dismissing concerns about a constitutional crisis arising from competing claims to the Senate presidency.

Questions over the Senate leadership persist following Gatchalian’s election as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President on June 3 after a 12-member quorum was formed in the chamber.

The dispute continued as Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano maintained that he remains the leader of the Senate. /mr