In a major leadership shakeup, Senator Win Gatchalian was officially elected as the new Senate President on Wednesday, June 17, during a special session called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Gatchalian secured the required 13 votes to take the helm of the Upper Chamber. The shift in power occurred after Senators Joel Villanueva and Francis “Chiz” Escudero officially withdrew their support from Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to join the new majority bloc.
Following the vote, Cayetano acknowledged his defeat on social media
The Senate reorganization also marked the return of veteran lawmaker Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to a leadership role, as he was elected Senate President Pro Tempore. Sotto, who previously held the Senate presidency from 2018 to 2022 and again from 2025 to 2026, was unseated during Cayetano’s recent turn as Senate leader.
In addition, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri was formally sworn in as the new Senate Majority Leader.
The newly established majority coalition is composed of Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Lito Lapid, JV Ejercito, Erwin Tulfo, and Raffy Tulfo.