Joel Villanueva says joining new Senate majority was 'for work'

Senator Joel Villanueva said his decision to join the new majority bloc in the Senate was motivated by a desire to focus on legislative work, a move that effectively sealed the leadership change in the chamber.

"For work," Villanueva told reporters on Wednesday when asked about his decision to transfer to the new majority.

Sen. Joel Villanueva why he decided to transfer: for work @gmanews @24OrasGMA pic.twitter.com/Uek5ENWvwx

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— Joseph Morong 🇵🇭 (@Joseph_Morong) June 17, 2026

"Trabaho na tayo," he added.

Sen. Joel Villanueva: trabaho na tayo @gmanews pic.twitter.com/EbMFHfE0WB

— Joseph Morong 🇵🇭 (@Joseph_Morong) June 17, 2026

Villanueva's move came as Senator Alan Peter Cayetano acknowledged that he would no longer become Senate president after the realignment gave the new majority enough votes to elect a new leader of the Upper Chamber.

Earlier Wednesday, Cayetano said he accepted the political reality in the Senate after Villanueva's transfer shifted the numbers in favor of the rival bloc.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was then formally elected as the new Senate president, ending the two-week leadership row with Cayetano.

During the special session, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri nominated Gatchalian as Senate president.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said all 13 senators present voted "unanimously." A quorum was declared during the special session after 13 senators attended, including Senators Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Joel Villanueva—both of whom were former members of Cayetano bloc. — VDV, GMA News