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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Gatchalian takes charge of Senate finances, rejects dual-signatory proposal

Gatchalian takes charge of Senate finances, rejects dual-signatory proposal

Published Jun 10, 2026 12:07 pm  |  Updated Jun 10, 2026 01:54 pm

At A Glance

  • Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he has assumed signing authority for Senate financial documents, allowing the release of employee incentives, office operating funds, and other benefits while ensuring uninterrupted Senate operations.
  • Gatchalian rejected Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's reported offer to share signing responsibilities, stressing that there is "only one designated acting Senate President" and that he alone is authorized to perform the duties of the post.
Acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, June 10, formally assumed responsibility for signing financial and administrative documents needed to release employee benefits and fund Senate offices.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Photo from Senator Gatchalian's Facebook page)
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Photo from Senator Gatchalian's Facebook page)
In an interview, Gatchalian told reporters that he has lately been focused on ensuring the continued payment of salaries, benefits, and operational expenses amid the leadership dispute in the chamber.
He said the transfer of signatures with the Landbank of the Philippines was completed, allowing him to sign checks and automatic debit arrangements (ADA) covering various Senate expenses.
Among the documents he said he would sign within the day were those needed to release employees' efficiency incentives and the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) of senators' offices.
"So, today I'll be signing checks and the ADA specifically for the incentives of our employees and the MOOE of senators' offices so they can continue operating," Gatchalian said.
He added that eight Senate employees have also been approved for promotion after being screened by the promotions board. The promotions are expected to be formally issued this week or next week.
Gatchalian said he has been studying Senate processes in recent days to identify bottlenecks and ensure documents move efficiently through the bureaucracy.
Asked about Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's reported offer to share signing responsibilities while maintaining his claim to the Senate presidency, Gatchalian dismissed the proposal and reiterated that there is only one authorized acting Senate president.
"There's only one Senate President Pro Tempore. There's only one designated acting Senate President," Gatchalian said.
"Since we are the Senate President Pro Tempore and designated acting Senate President, we will perform our duties and ensure that Senate operations are not disrupted," he added.
He said his priority is to maintain the functioning of the Senate, including its coordination with the House of Representatives and other government agencies.
He also disclosed that he had instructed former Senate Secretary Jose Luis Montales to turn over official documents. According to Gatchalian, Montales subsequently wrote to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. that he would be turning over the documents.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Senate employees should no longer have any doubt as to whom they should follow, as the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and other relevant authorities have duly recognized the Gatchalian-led majority bloc.
Lacson said this recognition enjoyed by the majority, led by Gatchalian, only underscores that "orders" from the minority led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano are meant to sow confusion.
"Maliwanag naman sa atin kung sinong kinikilala ng Malacañang, ng House of Representatives, ng Civil Service Commission, ng IBP, at kung ano-ano pa ang mga grupo, kung sinong kinikilala talaga na liderato sa Senate (It is clear whose leadership Malacañang, the House of Representatives, the Civil Service Commission and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and other groups recognize)," Lacson said in an interview on DZMM radio.
"So maliwanag na panggulo yung ginagawa ni Senator Alan, no, with all due respect, na nakaka-confuse, nakakagulo (It is clear that what Cayetano is doing, with all due respect, is meant to sow confusion)," he added.
Lacson also noted that Gatchalian has been meeting with department heads and committee secretaries and reminding them to follow only lawful and official orders, assuring them that the Senate leadership will protect them.

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Sherwin Gatchalian Alan Peter Cayetano Senate of the Philippines ping lacson
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