Palace backs latest Senate shakeup: It’s within the rule of law
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has welcomed the latest change of leadership in the Senate, hoping the development would break the impasse in the chamber and allow the government to focus on other pressing issues.
“What happened in the Senate this afternoon is in accordance with the law and the rule of law,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said on Wednesday.
“The Palace recognizes and respects the decision of the new majority and the leadership of acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” she added.
READ: Gatchalian elected Senate president pro tempore
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore, replacing Sen. Loren Legarda.
He presided over the session on Wednesday, two days after no plenary session was held.
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri then returned to the position of majority leader.
Twelve senators, including Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, an ally of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, provided the quorum.
The change in Senate leadership anew came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on senators to “get back to work,” warning that the chamber’s inability to hold sessions has disrupted essential legislative functions and undermined government efforts to address pressing national concerns.
Marcos said the administration is currently exploring all legal options, including invoking the president’s constitutional authority. But he stressed that resolving the deadlock ultimately depends on the cooperation and commitment of the Senate leadership. /mr /atm
