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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson: Minority bloc 'all or nothing' for Gatchalian as Senate President

Lacson: Minority bloc 'all or nothing' for Gatchalian as Senate President

Published May 23, 2026 12:24 pm  |  Updated May 23, 2026 02:03 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Panfilo Lacson said the minority bloc's support for Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President is "cast in stone," stressing that the group's backing is "all or nothing" and non-negotiable.
  • Lacson described Gatchalian as "eminently qualified" to lead the Senate, citing his preparedness, competence in committee hearings, and role in promoting transparency during deliberations on the 2026 national budget.
  • Senator Francis Pangilinan said the Solid Bloc 11 unanimously supports Gatchalian for Senate President, arguing he can unite a broader reform-oriented Senate that is more balanced, accountable, and acceptable even to some majority senators.
If it's not Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for Senate President, then they're not interested. 
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Photo from Senator Gatchalian's Facebook page)
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Photo from Senator Gatchalian's Facebook page)
This was how Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson described the minority bloc's support for Gatchalian to lead the upper chamber.
"Sabihin na nating cast in stone ano, as of this moment. Dahil nung huling nag-usap kami nag-caucus kaming 11, napagkaisahan naming wala, hindi na negotiable samin na iba pa yung papasok. Kung gusto nilang sumama, si Senator Sherwin ang gusto naming Senate President (Let’s say it’s already cast in stone, as of this moment. Because the last time we talked, the 11 of us held a caucus, and we agreed that it’s no longer negotiable for us that someone else would come in. If they want to join us, we want Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to be the Senate President)," he said in a radio interview on DZMM.
"Parang all or nothing na kami kay Senator Sherwin (It's like we're all or nothing for Senator Sherwin)," he added.
Lacson described Gatchalian as "eminently qualified" for the post as he cited not only his capability but his diligence and preparedness in Senate committee hearings and other proceedings.
"He is capable, qualified, and prepared for his work. In all the committee hearings he attended or presided over, he knew what he was talking about, and he was prepared. So we see him as eminently qualified to become the Senate President of the 20th Congress at least," Lacson said.
"We know Gatchalian is qualified and can lead the Senate to have a united front against all issues facing it," he said in a separate interview on DZRH. "He is acceptable not only to the minority but to some members of the majority."
Lacson also pointed out that Gatchalian, as chairman of the Senate finance committee, helped promote transparency in the shaping of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Asked whether he would consider becoming Senate President, Lacson said he does not entertain the possibility as the job requires a wide "gray area".
For now, Lacson said the minority bloc is hoping some members of the majority bloc would join the minority in its efforts to redeem the Senate's integrity.
"To the minority, it is non-negotiable that we redeem the Senate's integrity. Never in my memory as a senator have I seen the House of Representatives enjoying better public perception than the Senate," he said.
He lamented that the Senate's image had suffered in recent years due to developments such as passing the 2025 GAA - the most corrupt in recent history, the linking of some senators to the flood control mess, some senators facing various charges before the Department of Justice, and Senator Rodante Marcoleta facing charges of plunder and indirect bribery before the Ombudsman.
SB-11
In a separate statement, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan also said that the SB-11 or Solid Bloc 11, all want Gatchalian to become Senate President.
He said that Gatchalian has proven, especially during the deliberations on the 2026 national budget, that he can protect the people’s money and ensure that public funds go where they are most needed.
"Principle-wise, Sen. Win is competent, steady, and fair. In realpolitik, he can unite a broader, reform-oriented Senate that is more balanced, more accountable, and acceptable even to some members of the current majority," Pangilinan said.
"Even current Senate President [Alan Peter] Cayetano has said he might vote for Senator Win as Senate President," he added.
Cayetano holds a very tenuous 13-member majority in the 24-member Senate.

Related Tags

Sherwin Gatchalian Ping Lacson Kiko Pangilinan Senate leadership
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