Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected acting Senate President as Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero joined the majority coalition led by Senator Tito Sotto, forming a new majority bloc in the Philippine Senate.
On Wednesday, the group led by Senator Tito Sotto held a session in the Philippine Senate and elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate President and Senate President Pro-Tempore. The alliance, now composed of 12 members following the inclusion of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, achieved the required quorum to conduct official business. Escudero’s shift to Sotto’s group reduced Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s faction to 10 members.
Following Gatchalian’s election, new leaders of the Senate committees were also chosen. The session was officially adjourned sine die and will reconvene on July 27, 2026, coinciding with the State of the Nation Address by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a press briefing after the session, Senator Erwin Tulfo clarified that Cayetano remains Senate President, as the group lacks the 13 votes necessary to remove him from the position. However, only a majority vote, not necessarily 13 votes, was needed to elect other Senate officials, such as Gatchalian as acting Senate President Pro-Tempore.
This political realignment reflects ongoing shifts in the Senate’s power dynamics, although the official leadership post of Senate President continues to be held by Cayetano for now.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/balita/990068/sherwin-gatchalian-idineklang-acting-senate-president-chiz-escudero-sumama-sa-grupo-ni-tito-sotto/
