MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday acknowledged the leadership of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian during the celebration of the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The President walked up to Gatchalian and shook his hand following the wreath-laying ceremony in Rizal Park in Manila.
In his speech, Marcos called Gatchalian the Senate President Pro Tempore as he greeted the guests.
The Senate has been embroiled in a leadership dispute after Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate president following days of turmoil that led to the cancellation of sessions.
Former Senate president Alan Peter Cayetano has rejected the leadership change, describing it as an “illegal coup d’etat” and refusing to recognize the authority of the new majority bloc.
Despite the dispute, Malacañang has recognized Gatchalian as the Senate’s acting leader, citing existing jurisprudence and Senate precedents.
