Marcos hopes Gatchalian’s election ends Senate gridlock

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed hope that the election of Senate President Win Gatchalian would finally end the legislative gridlock that has hindered the passage of priority measures.

Gatchalian was elected Senate president during the chamber’s special session on Wednesday.

READ: Gatchalian is new Senate president

“That is exactly what we have been all hoping for, that things become more orderly, nd that the Senate functions smoothly,” Marcos said in an interview in Kazan, Russia, speaking in mixed English and Filipino.

“I hope that with Senator Sherwin assuming the position of Senate President, we can return to the normal functioning of the Senate,” the President said.

Marcos expressed hope that the Senate would be able to act promptly on priority measures whose approval had been delayed by the legislative impasse.

“Some of them are from before; some of them are new in response to the oil crisis in the Middle East. They may be different, but all of them are necessary—and all of them are needed now,” he said.

“We are in the midst of an oil crisis, and those laws are needed. I hope they can thoroughly study and discuss them so that we can proceed with the normal conduct of governance,” the President added.

READ: Marcos wants Abalos back in gov’t, rules out Cabinet revamp

In his acceptance speech delivered during the special session, Gatchalian said he is willing to listen, cooperate, and pour all of his energy into fulfilling his new role.

“This is a daily call to be exemplary in service… This duty is a responsibility—to the Senate, to our Constitution, and to the Filipino people,” he added. “To the best of my ability, I will serve this institution and our people with full respect, diligence, and integrity.”

He called on all my colleagues in the Senate, whether majority or minority, “to start anew, unite in service, and face our country’s challenges together.”/coa