Malacañang congratulates newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian

Malacañang on Wednesday extended congratulations to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for being elected as the new Senate President, breaking weeks of leadership deadlock and paving the way for the consideration of priority measures during the special session.

“Pinapahatid ng Palasyo ang pagbati sa bagong halal na Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement.

(The Palace conveys its congratulations to the newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.)

The Palace also thanked the House of Representatives led by Speaker Bodjie Dy and the Senate majority for being ready to perform their duty.

“Alam natin ang hangad ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. — mabilis at maayos na paglilingkod para sa taumbayan,” Castro said.

(We know what President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. wants — a fast and orderly service for the people.)

“Ang mga priority legislative bills ay dapat nang maisabatas para lalo pang mapagtibay at mapalawak ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan,” she added.

(The priority legislative bills must be passed to further strengthen and expand the government's assistance to our countrymen.)

• Under Proclamation No. 1318, Marcos directed Congress to have a special session on June 17, 2026, to urgently consider the passage of the following priority legislative measures:
• National Center for Geriatric Health;
• Amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act;
• Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act;
• Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA);
• Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDA) Schools Act;
• Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act;
• Anti-Political Dynasty Law;
• Presidential Merit Scholarship Program; and
• Such other measures aimed towards strengthening social protection and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.

— RSJ, GMA News