Malacañang on Thursday said it is only appropriate to recognize the decision of the new Senate majority, stressing the importance of respecting institutional processes to reflect that government bodies are functioning properly.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the executive branch sees no issue in acknowledging the new Senate leadership, provided that the transition followed correct parliamentary procedures.

“Yun po ang nakikita na nararapat. Ito ang nakikita para maipakita rin sa taong-bayan na kung may naganap na tamang proseso ay dapat lamang po kilalanin,” Castro said.

Castro made the statement during a Malacañang press briefing following questions on the Palace’s quick recognition of the new Senate majority after Sen. Win Gatchalian was elected acting Senate President.

The Palace also addressed reports that Sen. Francis Escudero was seen inside Malacañang prior to his appearance with the new Senate majority, with Castro saying she had no information regarding the matter.

The clarification came amid discussions surrounding the recent leadership shift in the Senate of the Philippines, which was promptly acknowledged by Malacañang following the announcement of the new majority bloc.