President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly acknowledged Senator Win Gatchalian as the Senate President Pro Tempore during the 128th Philippine Independence Day celebrations at the Quirino Grandstand on Friday.
The recognition comes in the wake of a highly contested Senate session on June 3, where a 12-member faction—consisting of the former minority bloc led by ex-Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero—declared a quorum. The group justified the move by citing the 1949 Supreme Court precedent, Avelino v. Cuenco.
During that controversial session, all major Senate leadership posts were declared vacant. Those present then elected Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and designated him to act as the interim Senate President.
However, incumbent Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano refuses to recognize the reorganization and continues to challenge the leadership transition.
Earlier that morning, President Marcos Jr. commenced the Independence Day activities by leading the traditional flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park.