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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian formally ascends as Senate President; Sotto elected as SP Pro Tempore

Gatchalian formally ascends as Senate President; Sotto elected as SP Pro Tempore

Published Jun 17, 2026 09:39 am  |  Updated Jun 17, 2026 02:05 pm

At A Glance

  • Completing the 13 votes needed for the Senate presidency were Senators Joel Villanueva and Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has formally ascended as Senate President on Wednesday, June 17 after 13 senators finally elected him as the chief of the Upper Chamber during the Special Session called for by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Completing the 13 votes needed for the Senate presidency were Senators Joel Villanueva and Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

The new majority bloc has also elected Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as the Senate President Pro Tempore. 

Sotto previously held the title of Senate President before he was ousted by 13 senators led by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. 

Prior to the opening of the special session, Cayetano wrote on his Facebook post that he is finally conceding the position of the Senate presidency. 

At the same time, Sen.Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also formally took his oath as the Senate Majority Leader.

Other senators who are now part of the Senate Majority bloc include Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Erwin Tulfo and Raffy Tulfo. 

Meanwhile, the members of the Cayetano-bloc were a no-show during the opening of the Special Session. 

The now minority bloc who did not attend the Special session were senators Cayetano, his sister Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Robinhood Padilla, Mark Villar and Camille Villar, and Bong Go.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is currently detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City, on plunder charges and has been slapped with a 90-day suspensiom from office.

Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, on the other hand, has again been missing since he helped provide 13 votes for Cayetano’s bid for the Senate Presidency last May 11, 2026. Dela Rosa is facing a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he is facing a case for crimes against humanity in relation to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. 

Related Tags

Senate leadership change Senate Sherwin Gatchalian Tito Sotto III
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