Amid continuing political tensions and leadership changes in the Senate, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian on Friday called on senators from both the majority and minority blocs to return to legislative work and prioritize issues affecting the public.
“Well, ang mensahe ko para sa lahat ng senador, whether nasa majority ka, minority ka… Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na magtrabaho na tayo at bumalik tayo sa mahalagang bagay para sa taong bayan,” Gatchalian said in an interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
While recognizing the political divisions within the chamber, Gatchalian expressed confidence that the situation is only “temporary“ and urged senators to remain focused on their legislative work and public service mandate.
“Itong mga nangyari ay tingin ko ay temporary lang at kaya nga sinasabi ko na ang direksyon ng bawat senador ay iisa lang naman. Ito ang direksyon na bumalik na kami sa trabaho at mapaglingkuran mabuti ang ating mga kababayan,” the senator emphasized.
Gatchalian also said he remains open to dialogue with all senators following recent leadership changes, noting that consultations are still ongoing within the chamber.
“Ako naman ay bukas sa lahat ng ating mga senador. Whether majority ka or minority ka, pakinggan natin lahat,“ he added.
Meanwhile, the acting Senate President said he has yet to speak with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Faustino “Bojie“ Dy III regarding the developments and will first consult fellow senators before discussing key matters.
“Wala pa. Hindi pa kami nag-uusap at kukonsultahin ko muna yung aming mga kasamahan tungkol dito para malatag mabuti yung mga importanteng bagay na dapat namin talakayin,” he said.
The Senate leadership shake-up, which took place on May 11, has contributed to delays in organizing key committees, including the Commission on Appointments (CA), which is responsible for confirming senior government and military officials.
Gatchalian noted that the recent three-day deadlock in the chamber has delayed the confirmation and promotion of several generals in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Importante… dahil hindi kami nagkaroon ng session for three days, 'yung promotion ng ating mga heneral. At hindi naman tama ito dahil marami dito sa mga general o halos lahat sa mga general natin, unang-una inialay ang buhay nila para sa ating bansa at pangalawa nagtrabaho sila para sa ating bansa sa loob ng 30 years, 40 years," he said.
He lamented: “So itong promosyon ay karapat-dapat na, pero nabimbin siya dahil nga hindi nagkaroon ng session at ito yung isa sa mga priority na gagawin namin kung merong special session.”
Despite the leadership changes on May 11, senators have yet to finalize the composition of the Senate’s representation in the Commission on Appointments, further slowing confirmation proceedings.
The deadlock was eventually broken following the appearance of Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero, which allowed the minority bloc led by former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to regain key posts and reorganize the chamber, easing what had been described as a period of institutional paralysis.
Gatchalian, meanwhile, appealed for understanding from the public, saying he recognizes frustration over the Senate situation as reflected in public sentiment and social media.
“Kaya malaking hamon ito para sa aming lahat Senador, na maibalik sa normal at stable situation ang Senado para ibalik natin ang ating focus sa pinakamahalagang bagay sa ating mga kababayan. Ito ‘yung pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin, pagbagal ng ating ekonomiya,” he lamented.
He added that restoring public trust in the institution is now a key responsibility of senators, regardless of political alignment, as the chamber works to stabilize its operations and resume full legislative work.
“‘Yung pagtutok natin sa presyo ng gamot at edukasyon. Ito yung mga bagay na mahalaga. At gusto nila na magkaisa kami para matutukan yung mga mahalagang bagay para sa ating mga kababayan,” he noted.
