Metro Manila, Philippines – Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged lawmakers to move past the leadership dispute and refocus on pending legislation and pressing national issues, a day after senators elected a new Senate leadership following a dramatic session at the chamber.
“Ang gusto natin eh makabalik na tayo sa trabaho,” Gatchalian told reporters in a press briefing on Thursday, June 4.
[Translation: What we want is to get back to work.]
Gatchalian said several measures remain pending, including anti-hospital detention bills and the confirmation of five military generals.
“Talagang maraming nabinbin na mga batas tulad ng mga anti-hospital detention laws, yung confirmation ng limang generals at iba pang mga batas,” he said.
[Translation: Many measures remain pending, including anti-hospital detention laws, the confirmation of five generals, and other legislation.]
He also cited inflation and global developments including the Middle East crisis as issues requiring immediate attention from lawmakers.
The appeal came a day after 12 senators attended a session that allowed the chamber to reach a quorum and proceed with leadership changes.
The Senate elected Gatchalian as president pro tempore, Juan Miguel Zubiri as majority leader, Renato Bantug Jr. as Senate secretary, and retired PMGen Alfredo Sotto Corpuz as sergeant at arms.
Gatchalian also defended the quorum of 12 senators, saying it was based on a majority of the 22 senators over whom the Senate could exercise jurisdiction, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Avelino v. Cuenco and a 2015 Senate precedent.
Of the 24 lawmakers, Sen. Bato dela Rosa is in hiding, while Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has been detained over charges of plunder and graft.
Despite the continuing dispute, Gatchalian said he intends to reach out to senators across political lines.
“Hindi ko tinitignan majority minority… importante ngayon buo ang Senado at nagtatrabaho ang Senado,” he said.
[Translation: I do not look at whether one belongs to the majority or minority. What is important now is that the Senate remains united and continues working.]
