Sen. JV Ejercito said he is open to efforts aimed at forging a compromise in the Senate’s ongoing leadership tensions, even as he acknowledged growing support within the minority bloc for Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian to become Senate president.

Speaking in an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Ejercito said he initially maintained an independent stance after abstaining in earlier votes but has since associated himself with the minority.

“Si Senator Win kasi ang napupusuan ng karamihan sa aming minority block ngayon. Kaya lang I am open… Kung ako’y pwedeng tumawid dahil nga sa aking position na ako'y independent, identify with the minority,” Ejercito said.

Ejercito said he has been in communication with current Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and other lawmakers in an effort to explore possible compromises, noting that informal or “backroom” discussions have taken place.

He stressed, however, that resolving the impasse would require “a lot of sacrifice” from both sides, adding that lawmakers must prioritize what is best for the institution and the public.

The senator also expressed concern over the chamber’s lack of productivity in recent weeks, citing deep divisions that have stalled legislative work.

“Personally po, ang nakikita ko itong nakaraang tatlong linggo, dahil hating-hati talaga sa ngayon, wala si Sen. [Bato] de la Rosa, so 12-11, talagang mainit ang issue, emotions are high, parang nalulungkot na lang ako.”

Ejercito noted that key priorities such as infrastructure and healthcare have taken a backseat amid the leadership dispute.

He also raised doubts about the chamber’s stability under the current leadership, saying he does not expect a smooth resolution in the near term.

“Hindi ko nakikita magkakaroon ng magiging smooth na ngayon [ang Senado],” he said, adding that recent sessions continue to be marked by heated exchanges despite expectations of calmer proceedings.

Ejercito further described the Senate as effectively functioning as an opposition body under its current leadership, which he warned could complicate the passage of critical measures.

“Whether we like it or not, the Senate now is an opposition Senate that is not aligned with the administration,” he said.

He cautioned that this dynamic could hinder the approval of “vital deals,” especially as the country faces ongoing challenges such as rising oil prices and the effects of El Niño.

“Ngayon may crisis, kinakailangan natin mga bayanihan o anuman dahil baka nakakalimutan natin na hindi pa po tayo nakakalabas sa crisis, sa oil crisis. Ang dami problema, may El Nino pa tayo hinaharap.”

He said he continues to hope for a compromise that would allow the Senate to refocus on its legislative mandate and restore public trust.

“Ako nagdarasal na magkaroon talaga ng compromise somewhere para naman makabalik na kami sa trabaho at maibalik yung tiwala ng taong bayan,” he said.