Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Monday that Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian would be “good for the Senate” if he becomes the chamber’s next leader, as discussions on a possible leadership change continue ahead of the session break.
Hontiveros made the remark during a press conference when asked if she shares the sentiment of some colleagues, including Sen. Panfilo Lacson, that Gatchalian is the preferred choice of the so-called “Solid 11” bloc.
“Well, kung maging Senate President si Senator Sherwin [Gatchalian], that would be good for the Senate,” Hontiveros said, noting she has worked with him for about a decade. She described Gatchalian as a serious legislator who remains on the session floor even during suspensions and continues coordinating with staff on legislative work.
She added that Gatchalian values the dignity and reputation of the Senate.
Pressed to confirm whether their 11-member group is backing Gatchalian for Senate president, Hontiveros said multiple names are being floated, including among the public, and emphasized that several senators have demonstrated the capability to lead the chamber.
“I'm proud na may mga napatunayan na dating kakayahan bilang mga dating Senate President at meron talagang malakas na potensyal na magsilbi din sa ganung tungkulin.”
“Kung tatanungin niyo ako tungkol kay Senator Sherwin, kung maging siya, magiging mabuting Senate President siya.”
On the importance of leadership change with the session nearing adjournment, Hontiveros underscored that leadership remains crucial in an institution like the Senate but stressed that both majority and minority lawmakers continue to fulfill their responsibilities.
“Whether nasa minority o nasa majority, I've always been part of a collective na isinusulong yung nakikita naming responsibilidad namin sa institusyon at sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.
Hontiveros also acknowledged ongoing discussions about possible shifts in alliances, including speculation involving former Senate president Francis Escudero and current leadership under Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
She said talks about forming a new majority remain open to senators who share common interests and values.
“Narinig ko rin na yung ganyang mga pag-uusap, yung pagbuo ng mga bagong majority naman ay halos bukas sa kahit sino na sumapi. Basta't may parehong values or interests, parehong interests sa loob ng institusyon," she said.
However, she declined to comment on whether Escudero aligns with the current minority bloc’s values, saying such matters are not being actively discussed.
