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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Work never stops': New minority bloc welcomes Gatchalian leadership

'Work never stops': New minority bloc welcomes Gatchalian leadership

Published Jun 17, 2026 02:40 pm
It's back to work for the newly formed minority bloc on Wednesday, June 17, as they welcome the Senate leadership under Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian (Mark Balmores)
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian (Mark Balmores)
Gatchalian was elected as the new Senate leader on Wednesday, June 17, with Senator Joel Villanueva securing the 13th vote.
With this, Senator Loren Legarda said that the change of leadership was "legal" and done in proper order.
"We welcome, we recognize, and congratulate the new leadership who are dear friends, who are competent public servants, and we, in the minority, as I remain to be in the minority, will collaborate for the good of the Philippine government," Legarda said.
"The work has never stopped. The work never stops, and the work will never stop," she added.
She also congratulated Gatchalian, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III, and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.
On the other hand, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said that it's now time to move on.
"Majority rules. This is a collegial body. Tapos na po (It's done), so let's move on with the new leadership, with the new majority. This is democracy, ganun naman talaga (that's the way it is)," he said.
"Ako naman, kilala niyo po ako, gusto ko lang po magtrabaho (As for me, you know me, I just want to work)," he added.
Senator Imee Marcos, who also arrived for the convening of the Commission on Appointments (CA) said that they just want to work.
Very happy to be back to work
Meanwhile, for the part majority bloc, Senator Risa Hontiveros said that she's "very happy" to be back to work, thanking Villanueva for joining the majority and putting the Senate back on track.
"Sa kalahating araw pa lang productive muli ang Senado (Just for half a day, the Senate is productive once again)," she said.
No more 'delulu'
Senator Panfilo Lacson said that sealing the 13 votes has allowed them to start working.
"We have buckled down to work and sponsored and even passed several measures," he said.
"Fresh start. Sana (We hope) everybody will start cooperating including members of the minority kasi wala na ring (because there's no more) 'delulu'," he added

Related Tags

Sherwin Gatchalian Senate leadership minority bloc Loren Legarda Sherwin Gatchalian Senate leadership minority bloc Loren Legarda
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