Several members of the House of Representatives have welcomed the assumption of Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian as Acting Senate President, expressing hope that the development would help restore stability and productivity in the upper chamber.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III led the messages of support, congratulating Gatchalian on taking on the role and emphasizing the Senate’s vital role in governance.
“On behalf of the House of Representatives, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Acting Senate President, Sherwin Gatchalian, on your assumption of this important responsibility,” Dy said.
He stressed the importance of maintaining a fully operational Senate, particularly during a period when public institutions are expected to provide leadership and stability.
“At a time when our nation looks to its institutions for stability and leadership, a fully functioning Senate is essential to advancing legislation, exercising oversight, and upholding democratic governance.”
Dy also expressed confidence that Gatchalian would guide the chamber in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
“Under your stewardship, the Senate will continue to discharge its constitutional duties with integrity, independence, and dedication to the public interest.”
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima likewise welcomed the leadership transition, saying the Senate must remain functional and responsive to the needs of the public.
“Tulad ng anumang tanggapan ng gobyerno, hindi pwedeng paralisado ang Senado. Umaasa tayo: Sa bagong liderato, uusad at makapagtatrabaho na muli ang Senado para sa Pilipino.”
Meanwhile, Akbayan Party-list Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Perci Cendaña used humor to comment on the recent developments in the Senate, urging lawmakers to refocus on pending legislative work.
“Hay! Sa wakas nag-finale na ang Senateflix. End na ng reign of darkness. Back to work na dapat. Daming natenggang trabaho na kailangang tapusin.”
For his part, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, a member of the House prosecution panel for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, said the panel remains prepared regardless of who leads the Senate.
“The House prosecution panel is ready to proceed to trial in July under any Senate leadership and under any presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court.”
Ridon added that the prosecution team remains committed to presenting evidence and following constitutional procedures throughout the impeachment proceedings.
The Senate resumed plenary sessions on Wednesday after a three-day break, with 12 senators present to establish a quorum. During the session, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero joined the minority bloc, resulting in a shift in the chamber’s composition.
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III subsequently declared all elective Senate positions vacant, clearing the way for a reorganization of leadership.
Gatchalian was then elected Senate President Pro Tempore, a move that, according to Senate Committee on Rules Chair Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, effectively made him the Acting Senate President.