MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang and the House of Representatives on Wednesday congratulated Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian following his election as the new Senate President after Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano yielded to the new majority just in time for the special session.
In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said that with the leadership issue now settled, the Palace hoped that the good cooperation between the executive and the legislature would continue to advance bills that would benefit the public.
“The Palace extends its congratulations to the newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” she said in Filipino.
“We thank the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Bodjie Dy and the Senate majority who are ready to fulfill their duties,” she added.
Cayetano in a social media post earlier in the day admitted that “the arithmetic has changed” and that he “will not stand in the way of that vote” to name a new Senate president.
Castro reminded the senators of Marcos’ directive to ensure the delivery of a “speedy and efficient service to the people.”
“Priority legislative bills must be enacted to further strengthen and expand the government’s assistance to our countrymen,” she said.
Among the priority legislation the president wants enacted are the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act, Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, and the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDA) Schools Act.
Meanwhile, Speaker Faustino Dy 3rd said in a statement on Wednesday that the election of a new Senate president "comes at an important time as both houses of Congress continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities and act on issues that have a direct impact on the lives of 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," he said.
