PASAY CITY, Philippines — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Friday, October 2, called on his colleagues to put political rivalries behind them following a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the validity of the June 3 session electing Senator Win Gatchalian as Senate President.
Pangilinan welcomed the high court’s dismissal of the legal challenge with “respect and humility,” emphasizing that lawmakers must now channel their full attention toward pressing national issues.
“In the words of my Gen Z kids, ‘Move on na.’ Tuloy-tuloy na tayong magtrabaho,” Pangilinan said.
The Supreme Court en banc dismissed the petition for certiorari filed by lawyers Valeriano Loon and Zigfred Diaz. The petition had contested the June 3 proceedings in which Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was ousted from the Senate presidency and replaced by Gatchalian.
According to Pangilinan, the tribunal concluded that the petitioners failed to demonstrate grave abuse of discretion, confirming that the Senate conducted its proceedings in accordance with applicable laws and facts.
He stressed that the public deserves leaders who prioritize citizens’ needs over internal political strife.
“Dasurb ng kababayan natin ang mga lingkod-bayan na inuuna ang kapakanan nila kaysa sa personal na interes o tunggaliang pulitika,” he said.
With the leadership question resolved, Pangilinan expressed confidence that stability would return to the upper chamber, allowing senators to address economic challenges such as food inflation, job creation, public service enhancements, and climate threats.
“Nawa’y ang desisyong ito ay makatulong para magbigay liwanag, magbalik ng katatagan, at mahayaan ang Senado na maka-focus sa mga kagyat nating tungkulin: pababain ang presyo ng pagkain, create jobs, palakasin ang mga serbisyo publiko, at protektahan ang mga pamilya, lalong-lalo na sa hinaharap na Super El Niño,” he said.
“Nananatili matibay na taguyod ang Senado ng Saligang-Batas, due process, at kagalingan ng tao,” Pangilinan added.