By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On the heels of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier call for a Special Session to be held at the Senate on Wednesday, a leadership change took place within the Plenary Hall, with new faces taking helm of important positions under the Legislative Branch.
After being nominated as Senate President Pro Tempore during a Senate quorum on June 3, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian formally rose in ranks as he took the highest seat of the 24-member Institution.
Senate President Gatchalian will be taking the reins from former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who finally conceded after a brief leadership stalemate.
Stepping in to fill his former position was Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is elected by his colleagues as the new Senate President Pro Tempore.
Meanwhile, Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and JV Ejercito were elected as the Senate Deputy Majority Leaders.
Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan were also elected as vice chairpersons of the Blue Ribbon Committee, and will be working alongside Senator Erwin Tulfo, who serves as the panel’s chairperson.
Rounding up the new Majority Bloc after Senator Joel Villanueva transferred from the Cayetano Bloc were Risa Hontiveros, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, and Raffy Tulfo.
The leadership change brings the total number of Senate Majority members to 13, with the remaining lawmakers forming the Minority Bloc:
- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
- Senator Pia Cayetano
- Senator Ronald Dela Rosa
- Senator Francis Escudero
- Senator Jinggoy Estrada
- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go
- Senator Rodante Marcoleta
- Senator Imee Marcos
- Senator Robin Padilla
- Senator Camille Villar
- Senator Mark Villar
In a statement Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro welcomed the appointment of the new Senate leader, expressing gratitude to House Speaker Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III and the Majority for fulfilling their respective duties.
“Alam natin ang hangad ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.—mabilis at maayos na paglilingkod para sa taumbayan. Ang mga priority legislative bills ay dapat nang maisabatas para lalo pang mapagtibay at mapalawak ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan.”
The Congress’ Special Session aligns with the Chief Executive’s directive to fast-track priority measures on social protection, education, healthcare, and other programs aimed at addressing the needs of Filipinos amid ongoing energy challenges and recent calamities. (with reports from Sheila Natividad and Bernard Ferrer | PTV News)
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