Marcos Open to Mediation Call as Senate Leadership Dispute Continues
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Malacañang has reaffirmed its recognition of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian while rejecting a proposed power-sharing arrangement put forward by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano amid the continuing leadership dispute in the Senate.
The Palace’s position came after former Senate President Franklin Drilon suggested that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. step in and help mediate the ongoing conflict among senators.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro described Drilon’s proposal as a positive recommendation from a respected former Senate leader and public servant.
Castro said President Marcos remains open to initiatives aimed at promoting stability and unity, stressing that the Chief Executive does not close his doors to suggestions that may benefit the country and its institutions.
However, she noted that there is no assurance that Cayetano would agree to any mediation effort.
The Palace also expressed reservations over Cayetano’s proposed interim arrangement involving himself and Gatchalian, warning that such an agreement could mirror the leadership controversy that unfolded in the House of Representatives in 2020.
Castro cited the previous term-sharing agreement between Cayetano and former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, which eventually collapsed and contributed to delays in the approval of the 2021 national budget during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“History has shown the risks associated with these kinds of arrangements,” Castro said.
She reiterated that Malacañang recognizes only the leadership of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and remains firm in its position amid the continuing developments in the Senate.
The leadership dispute has drawn increasing attention from political observers, with concerns that prolonged tensions could affect the chamber’s legislative agenda and relations with the executive branch.
ia/xf
