Palace expects swift passage of priority bills under new Senate leader

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

SENATE TRANSITION. Newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian receives congratulations as the Palace expresses confidence in the Senate’s readiness to advance the administration’s priority legislative measures. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) said swift passage of key bills would help strengthen and expand government services and assistance for Filipinos. (Senate of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday expressed optimism about the immediate passage of the Marcos administration’s priority bills under the leadership of newly installed Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro welcomed Gatchalian’s formal assumption of the Senate presidency during a special session, ending the two-week leadership row with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

“Pinapahatid ng Palasyo ang pagbati sa bagong halal na Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian (The Palace conveys its congratulations to newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian),” Castro said.

Castro said the Palace is confident that the Senate and the House of Representatives led by House Speaker Faustino Dy III would fulfill their mandate in passing legislative measures that would benefit the Filipino prople.

She also thanked the lawmakers who are ready to heed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to act on priority bills.

“Alam natin ang hangad ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr — mabilis at maayos na paglilingkod para sa taumbayan (We know President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s aspiration — fast and efficient service for the Filipino people),” she said.

“Ang mga priority legislative bills ay dapat nang maisabatas para lalo pang mapagtibay at mapalawak ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan (The priority legislative bills should now be enacted into law to further strengthen and expand the government’s assistance to our fellow citizens),” Castro added.

Earlier Wednesday, Cayetano conceded his position as Senate president after learning that Sen. Joel Villanueva would join the majority bloc, which completes the 13-member quorum required to elect a new Senate leader.

Marcos, through Proclamation 1318 issued Monday, called for a special session of Congress on June 17 to expedite priority legislation aimed at strengthening social protection, education, and healthcare amid ongoing challenges, including the recent Mindanao earthquake.

The special session will also allow the Commission on Appointments to act on pending appointments to key positions in the Cabinet, military and foreign service, ensuring continuity and stability across government institutions.

This article is republished from PNA.