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