Gatchalian thanks Villanueva, Escudero over their ‘statesmanship’

MANILA, Philippines — Newly elected Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Wednesday recognized the statesmanship shown by senators previously aligned with the current minority bloc, particularly Senators Joel Villanueva and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, for showing up during the special session.

Gatchalian sent his praise as the Senate had been in an impasse for weeks, as two competing blocs led by Gatchalian and Cayetano vied for control over the chamber.

The standoff only ended on Wednesday after the conduct of a special session where thanks to the attendance of Villanueva, allowed the new majority to reach 13 votes in electing Gatchalian as the new leader of the Senate.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Gatchalian is new Senate president

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“What Senator Villanueva did today was an act of statesmanship. We are deeply grateful for his selflessness, which came at a moment when the Senate needed it most,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Senator Villanueva’s decision was not easy, but it showed that he places the interests of the nation and the Filipino people above any political dispute,” he added.

READ: Special session agenda: New laws or new Senate president?

Gatchalian said this effectively allowed the Senate to move forward with its mandate and the country’s legislative agenda—which is what he noted to be Villanueva’s goal as well.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, the Senate president also took a moment to recognize Escudero, particularly for his attendance at the Senate’s session on June 3, which he said allowed the chamber to finally convene and begin the process that led to Wednesday’s outcome.

“Senator Escudero’s decision two weeks ago was the turning point. Without it, today would not have been possible,” Gatchalian said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“That is the kind of principled stand the Senate needs in times of crisis, not choosing a side, but choosing to fulfill one’s duty,” he added.

Gatchalian is the fourth Senate president of the 20th Congress, succeeding Cayetano, who was removed from his presidency on June 3.

Though it should be noted that Cayetano continued to assert his presidency until finally stepping down an hour before the special session on Wednesday.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

With these new developments, the new majority consists of Gatchalian, Villanueva, Escudero, Majority Leader Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, and Lito Lapid. /cb