Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said financial institutions have recognized him as the authorized signatory for the Senate’s financial transactions, allowing the release of salaries and benefits for Senate employees.

In a social media post, Gatchalian said he signed payroll checks at the Land Bank of the Philippines and approved the disbursement of compensation and benefits for Senate personnel.

"Ngayong araw, nilagdaan na natin ang payroll checks sa Land Bank of the Philippines at inaprubahan ang paglalabas ng sweldo at benepisyo ng ating mga kawani sa Senado," the Senator stated.

He stressed that despite the ongoing political tensions, the Senate continues to perform its duties under his leadership, including ensuring that employees receive their salaries and benefits on time.

"Sa kabila ng ingay sa pulitika, tuloy ang trabaho ng Senado sa ilalim ng ating pamumuno, kabilang ang pagtupad sa obligasyon nito sa mga empleyado.

Araw-araw silang naglilingkod sa bayan, kaya responsibilidad nating tiyakin na natatanggap nila ang nararapat sa kanila sa tamang oras," said Gatchalian in a social media post," the Acting Senate President said.

Gatchalian was elected Acting Senate President on June 3 during a legislative session in which a 12-member quorum declared leadership posts vacant amid ongoing disputes and the absence of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.

Meanwhile, Cayetano has maintained that he remains the "legitimate, legal, moral" Senate president, arguing that at least 13 votes are required to effect a legitimate change in the chamber's leadership.