MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called for a return to normalcy in the Senate following the election of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President, expressing hope that the chamber can now overcome recent leadership turmoil that had stalled key legislative and government functions.
Speaking to reporters in Kazan, Russia, Marcos said the change in Senate leadership should help restore stability and allow lawmakers to focus on their constitutional and legislative duties.
“Sana naman, sa paglagay ni Sen. Sherwin [Gatchalian] bilang SP ay mabalik naman tayo sa normal na patakbo ng Senado,” Marcos said.
The President welcomed the Senate’s June 17 special session, saying it signaled a return to orderly governance after weeks of disruptions that affected the chamber’s operations.
“That is exactly what we have been all hoping for, that things become orderly, na maging maayos ang takbo ng Senado,” the President said.
Marcos noted that the leadership dispute had effectively halted the Senate’s work, delaying action on several priority measures and pending appointments.
“All of those just came to a dead stop noong nagkakagulo, noong hindi pumapasok yung mga senador, hindi sila nagse-session,” the president stated.
Among the affected matters were priority bills endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and appointments involving the Department of Foreign Affairs and the military that require congressional action.
During the same briefing, Marcos was also asked about reports that Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero could be selected to preside over the Senate impeachment court in the forthcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The President said he would support whatever decision the Senate makes, provided it is made in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
“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,” said Marcos.
Marcos likewise brushed aside suggestions that criticism directed at Escudero could affect his ability to serve impartially if chosen to oversee the proceedings.
“I don’t think that reflects in any way on what, how he will do,” Marcos said, adding that the criticisms were merely “opinions.”
The Senate is expected to address procedural issues related to the impeachment proceedings against Duterte in the coming weeks, as the chamber moves to resume its regular legislative agenda under its new leadership. /PN
