Malacañang on Thursday defended its recognition of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, following claims by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano that the Executive branch was supporting what he described as a Senate that was not legitimate.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Executive’s position is anchored on the rule of law, existing laws, and decisions of the Supreme Court.
According to Castro, 12 senators voted to declare all elected positions in the Senate vacant. She said the decision was based on a recognized base number of 22 senators, noting that Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa were considered outside the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Castro said the declaration of quorum by 12 senators was consistent with an earlier situation in 2015 during the leadership of former Senate President Franklin Drilon.
She noted that during that period, 12 senators were likewise recognized as constituting a quorum. Castro added that among the senators serving at the time were Alan Peter Cayetano and his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano.
According to Castro, there were no objections or questions raised regarding the declaration of quorum during that earlier instance.
Based on these considerations, Castro said the Executive branch stands by the vote taken by the 12 senators and recognizes the decisions made by the new majority in the Senate.
The Palace maintained that its position is grounded on legal principles and established precedents rather than political considerations.
The statement came amid an ongoing dispute over Senate leadership and the validity of recent actions taken by senators who voted to reorganize positions within the chamber.
Malacañang reiterated that its recognition of Gatchalian as Acting Senate President is based on its interpretation of the law and the decisions reached by the Senate majority.
