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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian-bloc ready to work in special session, 'possible' end to leadership row seen

Gatchalian-bloc ready to work in special session, 'possible' end to leadership row seen

Published Jun 15, 2026 03:12 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Senate majority bloc is ready for the June 17 special session called by President Marcos, stressing that lawmakers should focus on urgent measures on health care, education, and aid for Filipinos in crisis, while also acting on key Commission on Appointments matters.
  • Senator Erwin Tulfo said the special session's agenda includes the Commission on Appointments' composition, AFP promotions, and the approval of citizenship applications for Bennie Boatwright and Matthew James Ramos. He added that the session is expected to last only one day.
  • Tulfo also said a Senate leadership change remains possible during the special session, expressing hope that Sherwin Gatchalian could be installed as Senate President. He revealed ongoing efforts to persuade additional senators—including one male and one female lawmaker—to support Gatchalian's bid, while Senator Joel Villanueva has already indicated he will attend the session.
Two weeks after a dramatic power shift ended a two-day Senate deadlock, senators are set to return for a special session amid renewed speculation that Senator Sherwin Gatchalian could finally be formally installed as Senate President.
No senators from the majority bloc attended the Senate plenary session at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on June 1, 2026. (Mark Balmores)
No senators from the majority bloc attended the Senate plenary session at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on June 1, 2026. (Mark Balmores)
This was after President Marcos called Congress to a special session on June 17 to urgently act on priority legislative measures. Under Proclamation No. 1318, signed on June 15, the President directed lawmakers to take up priority bills that remain pending despite having reached advanced stages of legislation.
Senator Erwin Tulfo said it's "possible" that the Senate leadership row will be addressed in the special session, with the hope that Gatchalian will be installed as the new Senate President.
"Sana nga. Dalangin naman ng lahat, hindi lang kami siguro, kundi ng sambayanan para matapos na ito, para tumahimik na dahil ang pangako naman po ni Sen. Cayetano, bababa siya pag may 13 (Hopefully. It’s the prayer of everyone, not just us, but of the people as well, that this will finally be resolved, so things can quiet down, because Senator (Alan) Cayetano promised he would step down once there are 13 votes)," Tulfo said.
Senator Joel Villanueva announced over the weekend that he would attend a special session. Whether he will join the Gatchalian bloc remains to be seen.
Apart from Villanueva, Tulfo said in a separate interview on DZRH that at least one male senator and a female senator could join Gatchalian’s bid for the Senate presidency.
“May hinihikayat na, aside from Sen. Joel, may dalawa pa. Isang lalaki at isang babae ang mahihikayat, pero ongoing naman yung usapan bilang magkakaibigan: nagdi-dinner at kumakain sa labas para mag-usap, o dadalaw sa bahay nung isa para, ika nga, makapag-usap, pero wala pa ngang malinaw na resulta sa pag-uusap (There are already efforts to persuade; aside from Senator Joel, two more — one man and one woman — are being encouraged.) But the talks are still ongoing as friends: having dinner, eating out to talk, or visiting each other’s homes to have conversations. However, there are still no clear results from these discussions),” Tulfo said.
In relation to the special session, Senator Panfilo Lacso posted on X: "Hopefully, Delulu pa more becomes Delulu no more."
No drama, no delay
"We in the majority welcome the call for a special session on June 17," Zubiri said.
Zubiri said that the agenda is clear and urgent, touching on health care, education funding, and assistance for Filipinos in crisis, matters that can bring real help to Filipino families who need the government to act with urgency and compassion.
He also added that the Commission on Appointments (CA) has important work to do on Cabinet, military, and foreign service appointments, and we owe it to our institutions to act with diligence and fairness.
"Papasok tayo, magtatrabaho tayo (We will report for work, we will do our jobs), and we will do our duty for the people. The Senate has always had the capacity to rise above difficult moments, and I trust that we can approach this session with seriousness, respect for our mandate, and a clear sense of responsibility to the people," he said.
"Walang drama, walang delay, walang dahilan para hindi magtrabaho (No drama, no delay, no reason not to do our job). We should be ready to work and ready to help move forward whatever must be acted upon for the public good," he added.
Zubiri said that the session will start at 9 a.m.
In a phone interview, Senator Erwin Tulfo said that Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian was already informed of the special session, stating that part of the agenda is the CA's composition for the promotion of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel as well as the approval of citizenship of Bennie Boatwright and wrestler Matthew James Ramos.
Tulfo said that the session will just be for one day.
Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan stated that if Villanueva attends, there will be 13 present, including Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero.
"More than enough to convene the special session, whether their group attends or not," referring to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's bloc.

Related Tags

Senate of the Philippines Sherwin Gatchalian Senate leadership Migz Zubiri Erwin Tulfo KIKO PANGILINAN
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