Former Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda on Wednesday recognized the 13 votes that secured the election of Sen. Win Gatchalian as the new Senate President.

“They have 13 votes. So, we respect, appreciate, and recognize the 13 votes to elect the officers of the Senate,” Legarda said, while entering the Senate plenary when asked to react to the change in Senate leadership on Wednesday, June 17.

Legarda also congratulated Gatchalian, praising his competence and long-standing working relationship with him in the chamber.

“I congratulate Sherwin, a dedicated, disciplined, hardworking, brilliant colleague and a dear friend,” she said.

She likewise extended her congratulations to Senate President Pro Tempore Tito Sotto and Majority Leader Sen. Migz Zubiri, saying the minority is willing to cooperate with the new leadership bloc.

“And congratulate of course Tito. I willingly give my pro tempore, I mean been there done that. And then congratulate of course Migs. I was also Majority Leader. So I congratulate all of you,” Legarda said.

“I'm glad na 13 ang boto. So maayos na, legal na,” she added.

Gatchalian was formally sworn in as Senate President, while Sotto assumed the post of Senate President Pro Tempore following the leadership reshuffle.

Legarda attended the Commission on Appointments’ deliberations during the Senate’s afternoon plenary session, despite her and other minority members’ absence from the morning special session.

She was joined by members of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s bloc, including Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Sen. Imee Marcos, Sen. Camille Villar, and Sen. Pia Cayetano.

The development came after the minority bloc did not attend the morning special session that elected Gatchalian as Senate President, replacing Cayetano’s leadership.