In a dramatic resolution to weeks of legislative deadlock, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian was formally elected Senate President of the Philippines on June 17, 2026—ending a power struggle that paralyzed the upper chamber for over two weeks.

Thirteen senators attended a special session convened just before Congress adjourned sine die, voting unanimously to install Gatchalian as both Senate President and acting head of the majority bloc. The move follows the abrupt ouster of former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano in a May leadership coup, which left the chamber without a quorum until this week.

In his inaugural address, Gatchalian pledged to uphold constitutional order and restore public trust: “This duty is a responsibility—to the Senate, to our Constitution, and to the Filipino people.” The Malacañang Palace swiftly endorsed the outcome, stating it “respects the Senate’s internal processes and upholds the rule of law.”

Gatchalian, a veteran legislator known for education and consumer protection reforms, now faces the urgent task of certifying the 2026 national budget and advancing key economic bills before the session closes.

adminStaff Writer

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