No immunity for 'gathering' with 18 'ex-Marines' — Gatchalian

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday clarified that the Senate does not recognize statements made during Thursday’s gathering, where 18 individuals identified as supposed “former Marines” alleged they had served as porters and bagmen in an alleged corruption scheme involving the President and other key political figures.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Gatchalian said the gathering should not be treated as an official hearing covered by parliamentary immunity.

“Wala, wala dahil yun ay (There isn’t any [parliamentary immunity] because that was just a) gathering or meeting; the official hearing will be conducted by Chairman Erwin Tulfo on Monday,” he said.

Gatchalian made the statement following Thursday’s controversial meeting presided over by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, during which 18 individuals claimed to be former Marines and presented supposed testimonies.

During the gathering, the individuals reiterated earlier allegations that they had delivered suitcases of cash to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his son Sandro Marcos, Senators Tito Sotto and Erwin Tulfo, as well as former senators Leila de Lima and Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV.

The allegations drew sharp rebuke from those implicated, some of whom threatened to file perjury charges against those behind the supposed gathering.

According to Gatchalian, only formal Senate hearings are reflected in the official record, unlike informal discussions among members.

“I would call it a gathering or a meeting that will not form part of the records because it is not official,” he said.

Gatchalian made the statement amid a leadership tussle involving embattled Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, centered on questions over which bloc holds authority over Senate proceedings.

He, however, pointed out that his leadership is broadly accepted across different sectors, including partners in both the executive and legislative branches, as well as the private sector.

Gatchalian dismissed suggestions that he is being used to advance Malacañang’s political agenda.

“Wala naman magpapagamit kahit kanino. In fact, yung mga kasamahan niyong aming majority, consensus building kami, nag-uusap-uusap kami sa isa’t isa, nagbibigay ng payo ako, humihingi ako ng payo,” he said.

(No one is allowing themselves to be used by anyone. In fact, among my colleagues in the majority, we engage in consensus-building, we talk to each other, I give advice, I also ask for advice.)

“Wala naman monopolyo ng talino at galing e (There is no monopoly of intelligence or ability),” Gatchalian added.

He said senators within the majority remain focused on rebuilding working relationships through internal dialogue and consensus-building as they return to legislative work.

“Importante na nagtutulungan sa isa’t isa at yun ang maganda dito sa majority na nagtutulungan.”

(What’s important is that we help one another, and that’s the good thing about the majority—we work together.)

Gatchalian added that the prevailing sentiment among senators is a desire to return to regular lawmaking after a period of limited engagement across blocs.

“Kaya ang aming consensus ay bumalik tayo sa trabaho. Makikita mo sa statements dahil matagal na tayong hindi nakakapag-usap kung ano ang dapat natin gawin para sa ating bansa.”

(So our consensus is to get back to work. You can see from the statements that it has been a long time since we last talked about what we should be doing for our country.)

He also reiterated that he has kept open lines of communication with colleagues from both the majority and minority camps, noting that personal relationships often transcend political lines.

“At a press conference, if you remember, I said that I’m open to all senators. Majority, minority, we will talk to all. In fact, in the minority, we have a lot of personal friends.”

Even amid political differences, he said cooperation remains possible when lawmakers share common goals for the country.

“I’m open to all. I know that even Senator Allen wants something good for our country.”—MCG, GMA News