Philippines Senate leadership battle persists after Gatchalian appointment

Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian defended the recent leadership changes in the Philippine Senate, saying the session that declared several committee posts vacant and installed new chairpersons complied with the Constitution and was held with a quorum of 22 senators. He confirmed that the scheduled Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on flood‑control corruption was cancelled and that heightened security measures were preventive, citing reports of planned rallies.

Despite Gatchalian’s claims of legitimacy, former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and his allies continue to assert control of the upper chamber. Cayetano’s bloc, recognized by the House of Representatives and the Malacañang Palace, maintains that scheduled hearings will proceed and has warned Senate staff against obstructing its guests. The dispute follows a recent shooting incident in the Senate and centers on who can preside over pending bills and investigations, with both sides seeking to consolidate their influence.