Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday expressed his readiness to take on the Senate leadership, as speculations continue to swirl regarding another impending coup in the upper chamber.
Speaking in a radio interview, Gatchalian cited his extensive legislative experience handling complex panel portfolios as the foundation of his preparedness for the top post.
“Tingin ko marami naman na tayong natutunan sa Senado lalo na yung mga komplikadong komite. Kaya kung handa, handa talaga,” Gatchalian said.
I think we have already learned a lot in the Senate, especially with the complicated committees. So if we talk about being ready, I am truly ready.
Gatchalian currently belongs to the 11-member minority bloc led by Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. The group previously voted against the sitting Senate President, Alan Peter Cayetano, who secured the leadership with the backing of 13 senators.
Among Cayetano’s key supporters was Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who made a sudden reappearance at the Senate on the day of the leadership change after a six-month absence.
Dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), subsequently left the Senate premises on May 14, effectively thinning the majority bloc’s active numbers to 12.
Amid persistent reports that a fresh plot is brewing to unseat Cayetano, Gatchalian confirmed that the minority bloc has been weighing its options, though he declined to disclose specific strategies.
“Naniniwala naman ako na may God’s will at God’s time. Kapag talagang pinlano sa iyo yan ng Diyos, dadating at dadating yan,” he added.
I believe in God’s will and God’s time. If God really planned that for you, it will inevitably come.
Prior to the recent reorganization, Gatchalian served as the chairperson of the powerful Committee on Finance.
Throughout his decade-long tenure in the Senate, he has also spearheaded the committees on ways and means, basic education, energy, and economic affairs.