Dy congratulates Gatchalian, vows continued House-Senate cooperation

By Jose Cielito Reganit and Zaldy De Layola, Philippine News Agency

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Wednesday congratulated Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on his formal election as Senate President, expressing confidence that Congress will continue to advance measures that promote economic growth, strengthen public services and improve the lives of Filipinos.

“The House of Representatives congratulates Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on his formal election as Senate President,” Dy said in a statement.

The Speaker said Gatchalian assumes the Senate leadership at a crucial period as Congress continues to fulfill its constitutional mandate and address issues that directly impact the lives of Filipinos.

He reiterated the House’s commitment to maintaining close coordination with the Senate to advance priority legislation and pursue reforms that respond to public needs.

“The House remains committed to working with the Senate in advancing priority legislation, strengthening the economy, and delivering meaningful reforms that benefit our people,” Dy said.

He noted that cooperation between the two chambers has been instrumental in advancing key legislative measures to expand economic opportunities, improve access to education and healthcare and strengthen social protection programs.

“Ang mahalaga ay manatiling nakatuon ang Kongreso sa mga panukalang makatutulong sa ating mga kababayan. Kapag nagtutulungan ang dalawang kapulungan, mas mabilis nating naihahatid ang mga repormang kailangan ng sambayanan (It is important that Congress maintains its focus on measures that will help our countrymen. When the two chambers cooperate, reforms needed by the people are delivered faster).”

The Speaker also expressed optimism that the longstanding working relationship between the House and the Senate would continue under Gatchalian’s leadership.

“We look forward to maintaining a productive partnership with the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Gatchalian, guided by mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the nation,” Dy said.

He emphasized that the House stands ready to work with the Senate in pursuing measures that promote inclusive growth, strengthen institutions and improve the quality of life for every Filipino.

‘Level-headed’

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos of Ilocos Norte also welcomed Gatchalian’s election as Senate President, saying it would allow the Senate to move past its leadership dispute and refocus on pending work.

“On behalf of the House, we would like to congratulate Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. We look forward to working with him,” Marcos said in an ambush interview.

According to the House leader, Gatchalian’s election provides an opportunity for the Senate to move beyond weeks of internal tensions that had disrupted its work.

He said the new Senate President’s temperament and leadership style make him well-suited to help restore stability and focus in the institution.

“I have worked with him and I know how level-headed he can be. So, I think that’s exactly what this current political climate needs, especially there in the Senate, level-headedness and just the need for all of us to really get back to work,” Marcos said.

The Majority Leader noted that Congress still has several matters to act on during the special session called by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., despite the House having already approved many of the administration’s priority measures.

He said House members are awaiting the ratification of several bicameral conference committee reports, while the Commission on Appointments is expected to take up pending promotions and appointments, including those involving senior military officials.

“We passed a number of resolutions, we are awaiting some bicam reports for ratification, and of course for the Committee on Appointments to appoint and confirm the pending matters to do with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Marcos said the Senate leadership impasse had delayed the confirmation of several military officials due for promotion.

“I believe it’s the seven or eight, the generals who were due for promotion but as a result of the leadership struggle in the Senate, were not able to be confirmed, so that is what we are waiting for now,” he said.

This article is republished from PNA.