During the 128th Independence Day celebrations, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. publicly recognized Senator Sherwin Gatchalian's role as Senate President Pro Tempore, highlighting recent developments in Senate leadership.
In the official celebration of the Philippines’ 128th Independence Day held on June 12, 2026, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. acknowledged the leadership of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. Speaking at the event hosted at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, President Marcos referred to Gatchalian as the Senate President Pro Tempore. Gatchalian was present at the ceremony and received public recognition for his role.
This acknowledgment comes amid recent political developments in the Senate. On June 3, 2026, during a session with 12 senators present, a quorum was declared following the Supreme Court ruling in the historic Avelino v. Cuenco case (1949). During this session, all elected Senate positions, including that of the Senate President, were declared vacant. Subsequently, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore and was declared by attending senators as the acting Senate President.
However, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has publicly maintained that he is the legitimate and lawful Senate President, asserting a differing stance regarding the leadership dispute.
Earlier on the day of the Independence Day celebration, President Marcos led the national flag-raising ceremony and the wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park in Manila, a traditional event commemorating the nation’s independence.
Official events and statements highlight the evolving leadership status within the Philippine Senate, yet some disagreement remains over legitimacy as noted by Senator Cayetano’s position.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/991193/marcos-sherwin-gatchalian-senate-independence-day/story/