President Marcos publicly recognizes Gatchalian as Senate leader in PH Independence Day rites

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday publicly acknowledged Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian as the head of the Senate during his Independence Day address, the first such recognition since the leadership dispute emerged in the upper chamber.

As part of his traditional acknowledgment of government officials at the opening of his remarks, Marcos referred to Gatchalian in his leadership capacity.

“House Speaker Faustino Dy and the honorable members of the House of Representatives; Senate President Pro Tem Sherwin Gatchalian,” Marcos said before recognizing other officials in attendance.

“A good day to you all,” he added.

The President and Gatchalian were also seen exchanging a handshake during the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park.

The gesture comes as Malacañang continues to maintain that it recognizes only Gatchalian as the Senate’s leader following the recent changes in the chamber’s leadership.

Presidential Communications Office Press Officer Claire Castro has repeatedly reiterated the administration’s position, even as Senator Alan Peter Cayetano continues to assert that he remains Senate president.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Castro rejected suggestions that the situation has created a constitutional crisis, saying the Executive branch has a clear position on the matter.

“In the eyes of Malacañang, in the eyes of the executive, we have nothing that can be called a constitutional crisis,” she said.

“It is clear that the leadership we support and recognize is the leadership of acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” Castro added.

-Paraluman News