Philippines Senate President Gatchalian Calls for Unity and Targets Absent Lawmakers

New Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian announced that he will personally reach out to senators who have missed recent sessions, including members of the Cayetano bloc, to restore full participation in the chamber. He stressed that the Senate must move beyond “Senateflix” and refocus on crafting legislation, passing resolutions, and addressing pressing national concerns ahead of the opening of Congress and the President’s State of the Nation Address on 4 July.

Gatchalian also pledged to streamline public service, cut red tape, and uphold a “zero corruption” stance while supporting the upcoming Commission on Appointments, which involves several delayed military appointments. His priority is a unified, productive Senate that can tackle economic and social challenges facing Filipinos.