Senate minority bloc wants Sherwin Gatchalian as new Senate president

Members of the Senate minority bloc who refer to themselves as SB-11 or Solid Bloc 11 prefer to have Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian as Senate president, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Saturday.

"We, of the SB-11 or Solid Bloc 11, all want Senator Sherwin 'Win' Gatchalian to become Senate President," Pangilinan said in a statement.

"He has proven, especially during the deliberations on the 2026 national budget, that he can protect the people’s money and ensure that public funds go where they are most needed," he added.

Gatchalian used to be the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance but was replaced by Senator Mark Villar this month.

"Principle-wise, Sen. Win is competent, steady, and fair. In realpolitik, he can unite a broader, reform-oriented Senate that is more balanced, more accountable, and acceptable even to some members of the current majority," Pangilinan said.

"Even current Senate President Cayetano has said he might vote for Senator Win as Senate President," he added.

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, meanwhile, described Gatchalian as "eminently qualified" for the post.

"He is capable, qualified and prepares for his work. In all the committee hearings he attended or presided over, he knew what he was talking about and he was prepared. So we see him as eminently qualified to become the Senate President of the 20th Congress at least," Lacson said in a radio interview.

He added that Gatchalian is acceptable not only to the minority but to some members of the majority as well.

"To the minority, it is non-negotiable that we redeem the Senate's integrity," he added.

GMA News Online asked Gatchalian for comment but he has yet to issue a statement.

In a surprise move on May 11, thirteen senators voted to have Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate president, replacing Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.

Senator Erwin Tulfo on Thursday said talks of a leadership change at the Senate remain ongoing.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said that he would "wait and see" developments regarding the Senate leadership as they unfold amid reports of another brewing change.

Rumors circulated that Cayetano will be ousted as Senate president this week, following the shooting incident at the Senate on Wednesday, May 13.

Tensions grew in the upper chamber last week following the release of an arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for his role in former president Rodrigo Duterte's administration's war on drugs.

During the plenary session on Monday, Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and JV Ejercito identified themselves as members of the Senate minority bloc.

The Senate now comprises 13 members from the majority bloc and 11 from the minority bloc. —with a report from Sherylin Untalan/KG/ VAL, GMA News