MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda said she was glad that Sen. Win Gatchalian was officially elected as Senate president but she will remain with the minority bloc.
Legarda and her blocmates did not attend the morning special session of the Senate called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to attend to pressing legislative matters of national importance.
She congratulated Gatchalian who she described to be "a dedicated, disciplined, hardworking, brilliant colleague and a dear friend."
Legarda also congratulated Sen. Vicente Sotto III who replaced her as Senate president pro tempore during the June 17 Senate reorganization.
"I willingly give my pro tempore [position]. [I've] Been there, done that. So, I congratulate all of them," the senator said.
"And I'm glad na 13 ang boto (that 13 votes [were secured for Gatchalian]). So, maayos na, legal na (it's all settled, its now legal)," Legarda said referring to the constitutional requirement that a senator needs 13 votes to be elected Senate president.
Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore on June 3 after his bloc became the new majority, following the defection of Sen. Chiz Escudero to their camp, making him their 12th member.
Sen. Joel Villanueva's switch to the majority ended the Senate power struggle as he gave the crucial 13th vote to replace Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate chief.
"Every day is a fresh start and we welcome, recognize, and congratulate the new leadership who are dear friends [and] who are competent public servants," Legarda said.
"We, in the minority, because I remain to be in the minority, will collaborate for the good of the Filipino people," she said in a chance interview after she attended the Commission on Appointments confirmation of five senior military officials and 85 foreign service officers.
