Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President Win Gatchalian on Tuesday dismissed the possibility of a power-sharing arrangement in the upper chamber, emphasizing that leadership roles are held by a single elected individual.
In a radio interview, Gatchalian stated that the outcomes of the June 3 session left no ambiguity regarding the chamber’s leadership structure.
“Doon sa June 3 session, klaro kung sino ang hinalal na Senate President Pro Tempore. At klaro rin kung sino ang dinesignate na Acting Senate President. So klaro naman doon kung sino ang mga dinesignate at hinalal. At tayo po ‘yun, isa lang,” Gatchalian said.
His statement follows a disclosure by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who suggested a temporary co-signing arrangement between himself and Gatchalian.
Cayetano proposed that both lawmakers sign official Senate documents, irrespective of formal titles, to maintain smooth legislative operations and avoid salary delays for Senate employees while leadership disputes persist.
However, Gatchalian firmly rejected the compromise.
“Hindi ho posible ‘yung power sharing dahil isang tao lang po ang hinalal,” he said.
Gatchalian also clarified that his office has not received any order or communication from the Supreme Court to submit documents or comment on the leadership situation, adding that his camp has no intentions of bringing the matter before the high tribunal.
The leadership impasse arrives as the Senate faces a heavy workload, including critical legislative measures, upcoming impeachment trial preparations, and pending confirmations before the Commission on Appointments.
To address these urgent matters, Gatchalian noted that discussions are underway regarding a potential special session, which would tackle pressing issues like the long-delayed promotions of five military generals. He emphasized that these promotions are critical not only for the officers’ careers and benefits but also for external defense operations.
“’Yan ay isang bagay na ilalagay po natin sa special session. ‘Yan ang isang bagay na pinag-aaralan namin kung paano po ilalagay sa special session,” he said.
Regarding the impending impeachment proceedings, Gatchalian assured that the Senate will stick to its previously agreed timeline.
He underscored that under Senate rules, the Senate President presides over impeachment trials, a responsibility that automatically transfers to the Acting Senate President in the top leader’s absence.
“By operation of our rules, tatayong presiding officer ay yung Acting Senate President,” Gatchalian said.