Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian on Sunday countered Senator Loren Legarda’s criticisms regarding the legitimacy of his election, stating that he places higher value on the assessments of legal institutions and scholars.
While acknowledging Legarda’s stance, Gatchalian emphasized that prominent legal bodies and former legislative leaders back the validity of the current Senate leadership.
“Of course we respect her opinion but matibay rin ang opinyon ng Integrated Bar of the Philippines (at) ‘yung association ng mga law school dean. Of course, ‘yung mga former Senate president(s), nagsalita rin sila. So para sa’kin my personal opinion, mas mabigat ‘yung opinyon nila dahil ‘yung mga ganitong bagay, pinag-aaralan nila,” Gatchalian told reporters.
The dispute arose after Legarda publicly challenged the legality of Gatchalian’s election, arguing it violated the 1987 Constitution. She maintained that a true majority vote of all chamber members—including suspended or embattled Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa—is required to unseat an incumbent Senate President.
“Mga kapwa ko Pilipino, malinaw na nakasaad sa Konstitusyon: walang sinumang senador ang maaaring lehitimong tumayo bilang Pangulo ng Senado batay lamang sa labindalawang boto. Ito ay pinagtibay sa ilalim ng 1987 Constitution,” Legarda said.
To support her claim, Legarda cited specific constitutional provisions governing how the upper chamber selects its top official.
“Sa Article 6 Section 16, Subsection 1 ng 1987 Constitution, the Senate shall elect its President by a majority vote of all its members. Ang ibig pong sabihin, makakapaghalal lamang ng isang Senate President kung makakuha siya ng mayoryang boto ng lahat ng miyembro ng Senado,” she explained.
The high-profile exchange underscores an ongoing debate within the upper chamber over constitutional interpretation, legislative rules, and the weight of external legal opinions on internal Senate affairs.