Amid the ongoing discussion of another upper house leadership election, the Senate minority has pledged support to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian for Senate president, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said on Saturday, May 23.
The minority group — also known as the Solid Bloc 11 — who voted to retain former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in the previous leadership shakeup, wants Gatchalian as he had ‘already proven himself.’
“Napatunayan niya, lalo na sa mga deliberasyon para sa 2026 national budget, na kaya niyang protektahan ang pera ng bayan at matiyak na mapupunta ang pondo kung saan ito higit na kailangan,” Pangilinan said.
In addition, he claimed that if those principles were the basis, Gatchalian wins as he is “fair-minded, capable, and resilient.”
Even Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano teasingly said on Wednesday that he would vote for Gatchalian after the latter humored him during the plenary, when Cayetano called Pangilinan the “agreeable senator.”
Ready to Lead
During an interview on May 22, Gatchalian said that he is ready to assume office if his colleagues elect him.
He shared that his experience leading as the elected chairman of the economic affairs, energy, basic education, and ways and means committees; and his recent election to the finance committee — have taught him a lot in his 10 years in the Senate.
However, he said that they should focus on working first since the leadership change was too recent.
Change of Leadership
On May 11, Cayetano was hailed as the new Senate president after getting 13 votes, which was the minimum to overthrow Sotto.
However, recent developments such as the sudden appearance and escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who was issued a warrant by the International Criminal Court related to crimes against humanity, and the shooting incident inside the Senate have surrounded Cayetano.
Several names have been rumored to be the next Senate President, including Gatchalian and former Senate Presidents Sotto, Sen. Migz Zubiri, and Sen. Chiz Escudero.
Written by Almira Cereno, Insight PH
Almira Cereno, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
