President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his optimism that the Senate would return to its regular operations following the resolution of its leadership conflict and the election of Senator Win Gatchalian as the new Senate President.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Kazan, Russia, Marcos stated that he anticipates the upper chamber will regain its footing and stability under the new administration.
“Sana naman, sa paglagay ni Sen. Sherwin [Gatchalian] bilang SP ay mabalik naman tayo sa normal na patakbo ng Senado,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive likewise commended the lawmakers for ensuring an orderly special session on June 17.
“That is exactly what we have been all hoping for, that things become orderly, na maging maayos ang takbo ng Senado,” he said.
Marcos expressed regret that the upper house’s internal friction had halted the progress of multiple priority legislative measures, including bills backed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), alongside critical confirmation appointments for the military and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“All of those just came to a dead stop noong nagkakagulo, noong hindi pumapasok yung mga senador, hindi sila nagse-session,” the President stated.
When questioned regarding speculations that Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero might be selected to head the Senate impeachment court dealing with the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, Marcos affirmed he would honor the chamber’s choice provided it aligns with legal protocols.
“I will support whoever the Senate chooses as long as the process that they undertook in making the choice is proper, is legal, is constitutional. Then that’s fine with me,” Marcos said.
The President also dismissed negative remarks leveled against Escudero, characterizing them as subjective viewpoints.
“I don’t think that reflects in any way on what, how he will do,” Marcos said.
Previously, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed that the Senate majority bloc had initially concurred on appointing Escudero as the presiding officer for the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte.
Meanwhile, Senate President Gatchalian clarified that the lawmakers have not yet held an official discussion regarding who will lead the impeachment court.
“I don’t want to preempt yung presiding officer discussion. Pag-uusapan pa yan ng mga senators. Under the rules, it’s the Senate President who will preside unless the Senate will decide otherwise,” Gatchalian said.