Cayetano Loses Senate President Tag; Gatchalian Tightens Grip

The Senate website now lists Alan Peter Cayetano as plain “Senator.” The “Senate President” label that appeared under his name for weeks is gone. Sherwin Gatchalian, the senator who replaced Cayetano after the June 3 reorganization, carries the label “Senate President Pro Tempore.” Loren Legarda, who previously held that post under Cayetano, now appears as “Senator” as well.

Gatchalian has moved to formalize operational control. He told reporters the transfer of signature authority with the Land Bank of the Philippines was completed Wednesday. He can now sign checks and authorize automatic debit arrangements for employee benefits and Senate office funds. Gatchalian rejected Cayetano’s reported offer to share that authority while still claiming the presidency. “There’s only one Senate president pro tempore,” Gatchalian said. Only one designated acting Senate president. He said he would perform those duties to keep Senate operations running.

The House of Representatives has recognized the shift. House leaders invited Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., who reports to Gatchalian, to join preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address on July 27. The House prosecution panel also submitted its reply to the defense panel’s motion to dismiss Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case.

Who will preside over that impeachment trial is now an open question. Cayetano, an ally of Duterte, would have held the gavel had he not boycotted three consecutive plenary sessions and lost the floor on June 3. Gatchalian confirmed discussions about designating a lawyer-senator, an idea floated by former Senate president Vicente Sotto III. Asked whether Francis Pangilinan was among those considered, Gatchalian replied in Filipino: “You’re correct. Senator Sotto said that, and that is currently being discussed.”