Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore on Wednesday, replacing Sen. Loren Legarda, amid ongoing leadership issues and repeated absences by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and other senators.

Gatchalian took his oath of office on June 3, formally assuming the second-highest post in the Senate. He will also serve as acting Senate president.

In his statement, Gatchalian said the Senate leadership was compelled to proceed with the session following Cayetano’s continued absence.

“We are compelled to call the session to order today. After the Senate adjourned on May 26, 2026, the session was scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1, and on Tuesday, June 2, but the former Senate president failed to appear in both instances,” he said.

Cayetano was again absent on Wednesday, marking his third consecutive no-show.

Meanwhile, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri was designated as chairman of the powerful Committee on Rules, which oversees the flow of legislation in the chamber.

Other members of the Majority Bloc, including Cayetano, were also absent during the proceedings.

As of writing, the Senate has adjourned sine die.

The latest leadership changes come amid ongoing tensions within the Senate, which have disrupted sessions and stalled legislative work in recent days.