By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A brewing leadership battle is unfolding in the Senate as several minority lawmakers move to install Sherwin Gatchalian as the next Senate President, replacing Alan Peter Cayetano.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III revealed that he was the one who first floated the idea of backing Gatchalian for the Senate’s top post. However, he admitted that the plan’s success still depends on whether the group can secure enough votes from fellow senators.
According to Panfilo Lacson, the push for a leadership change is solely aimed at restoring the Senate’s credibility and giving the institution a “fresh start.”
Lacson stressed that the move has nothing to do with efforts to amend the Constitution or influence the impeachment proceedings involving Sara Duterte.
The minority bloc cited a series of controversies that allegedly damaged the Senate’s image following Cayetano’s takeover, including the sudden return of Ronald dela Rosa, the shooting incident inside the Senate building, and Dela Rosa’s release from Senate “protective custody.”
Lacson said the bloc believes Gatchalian represents a younger and less divisive figure capable of uniting senators across political lines.
Meanwhile, Francis Pangilinan described Gatchalian as a “competent, steady, and fair” leader who could help rebuild balance and accountability in the Upper Chamber.
Members of the minority bloc are now individually seeking additional support from other senators in hopes of gathering enough votes to bring about a leadership transition in the Senate.
ia/xf
