President Bongbong Marcos expresses hope for normalized operations in the Philippine Senate following Sherwin Gatchalian's election as Senate President.
President Bongbong Marcos, speaking from Kazan, Russia, expressed optimism that the Philippine Senate will return to its normal operations with the recent election of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President. Marcos commended lawmakers for holding an orderly special session on June 17, which he said was a sign that the Senate can function smoothly again after a period of leadership disputes prompted delays in approving key legislative measures. The President specifically noted the stalled approval of priority bills and appointments in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the military during the Senate’s recent inactivity due to senators’ absence. Regarding the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Marcos stated that he supports the Senate’s choice for the presiding officer of the Senate Impeachment Court as long as the selection process adheres to legal and constitutional guidelines, dismissing criticisms against Senator Chiz Escudero as mere opinions. Senate President Gatchalian remarked that discussions were still ongoing among senators about appointing a presiding officer for the impeachment trial and emphasized that, by Senate rules, he would preside unless the body decides otherwise. This development signals a hopeful return to legislative stability after a period of disruption.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/991982/marcos-hopeful-senate-back-to-normal-under-gatchalian-s-leadership/story/
