Metro Manila, Philippines – House leaders on Wednesday, June 17, expressed optimism that the election of Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president would strengthen cooperation between the two chambers and help advance key reforms and legislative priorities.
House Speaker Bojie Dy III said Gatchalian’s election comes at a crucial time as both houses carry out constitutional responsibilities and address issues that directly affect Filipinos.
“The House remains committed to working with the Senate in advancing priority legislation, strengthening the economy, and delivering meaningful reforms that benefit our people,” said Dy in a statement.
He noted the importance of cooperation between the two houses as reforms for the public can be delivered faster.
House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos likewise cited Gatchalian’s leadership and temperament.
“I have worked with him during my time as a congressman and I know how level-headed he can be. So, I think that’s exactly what this current political climate needs, especially there in the Senate, level-headedness and just the need for all of us to really get back to work,” the neophyte lawmaker said.
Marcos also expressed confidence that the Senate would focus on the legislative agenda, saying he has “no doubt” that the chamber would “get back to work” under Gatchalian’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong expressed hope that the chamber would now focus on its constitutional responsibilities.
“Anything that would resolve the dispute in the Senate leadership is a welcome development in the House of Representatives. Now we are sensing and we are seeing a stability and normalcy in the Senate,” he said.
“And now that the Senate has resolved the leadership issue, we also hope that the Senate can focus now on its constitutional duty to proceed with the impeachment trial without unnecessary delay and other distractions,” he added.
