President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly recognized Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore during his Independence Day speech on Friday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. greeted “Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian” at the start of his remarks at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. He also shook hands with the senator during the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park earlier that day.
The recognition came during the 128th Independence Day celebration on June 12. It marked the first time Marcos publicly acknowledged Gatchalian in the role since the senator was elected acting Senate president on June 3.
Malacañang had previously stated its support for Gatchalian and the new Senate majority through press officer Claire Castro. Castro had said the executive branch sees no constitutional crisis and recognizes only Gatchalian’s leadership.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson welcomed the gesture, noting the applause from the crowd as a sign of public approval. The move follows weeks of dispute in the Senate involving Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who maintains he remains Senate president.
