Gatchalian-led majority recognized by relevant authorities – Lacson

By Leonel Abasola, Philippine News Agency

RECOGNIZED LEADERSHIP. The Senate adjourned sine die on June 3, 2026 after electing a new set of officers and committee chairpersons, with Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian being named Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President following a two-day impasse. Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday (June 9) said the Gatchalian-led majority bloc has been duly recognized by Malacañang, House of Representatives, Civil Service Commission, Integrated Bar of the Philippines and other relevant groups. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Senate employees should no longer have any doubt as to whom they should follow as the Gatchalian-led majority bloc has been duly recognized by the Civil Service Commission and other relevant authorities, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Tuesday.

In a radio interview, Lacson said the recognition enjoyed by the majority led by Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian only underscores that “orders” from the minority led by ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano are meant to sow confusion.

“Maliwanag naman sa atin kung sinong kinikilala ng Malacañang, ng House of Representatives, ng Civil Service Commission, ng IBP, at kung ano-ano pa ang mga grupo, kung sinong kinikilala talaga na liderato sa Senate (It is clear whose leadership Malacañang, House of Representatives, Civil Service Commission and Integrated Bar of the Philippines and other groups recognize),” he said.

“So maliwanag na panggulo yung ginagawa ni Senator Alan, with all due respect, na nakaka-confuse, nakakagulo (It is clear that what Cayetano is doing, will all due respect, is meant to sow confusion),” he added.

Lacson also noted that Gatchalian has been meeting with department heads and committee secretaries, and reminding them to follow only lawful and official orders, with assurances that the Senate leadership will protect them.

The Senate has been embroiled in a leadership dispute after Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate president following days of turmoil that led to the cancellation of sessions.

Cayetano has rejected the leadership change, refusing to recognize the authority of the new majority bloc.

This article is republished from PNA.