Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian is elected Senate President during a special session of Congress on Wednesday, ending a leadership deadlock in the chamber that had lasted weeks. Multiple reports say Gatchalian secures the votes needed after Sen. Joel Villanueva leaves the minority bloc and joins the majority, giving Gatchalian the 13th vote required under the Constitution. Sources also report that the new majority bloc includes Gatchalian, Villanueva, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, and other senators identified across outlets.
The change settles a two-week leadership row involving Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who yields the presidency. Coverage also notes that the resolution of the Senate leadership dispute reduces uncertainty amid a pending Supreme Court challenge related to the chamber’s reorganization. Separately, Malacañang issues a statement congratulating Gatchalian and expresses gratitude to the House leadership and the Senate majority, saying they are ready to carry out their duties. Other political reactions cite the constitutional basis for the vote count and recognize Gatchalian’s assumption of the role.
