The House of Representatives recognizes the new Senate leadership under acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, according to Lead Public Prosecutor and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro.

“Ni-recognize na po ng House of Representatives ang bagong liderato ng Senado, that is through the acting Senate President Sen. Win Gatchalian,” she said

[“The House of Representatives has recognized the new Senate leadership, and that is through the acting Senate President Sen. Win Gatchalian.”]

Luistro also noted that the House prosecution panel aligns with the lower house in acknowledging the new leadership.

“The House prosecution panel is representing the institution, the House of Representatives. I think it is logical that we follow the position of the House of Representatives,” she said

“Ni-recognize na rin ng Palasyo, which represents the executive branch, ang bagong leadership ng Senado,” she added

[“The Palace, which represents the executive branch, also recognizes the new Senate leadership.”]

Regarding the impeachment trial, Luistro stated that it would be better for the new leadership to study the next steps in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Earlier, the Senate had already convened as an impeachment court, but due to a change of leadership, the Presiding Officer will also be replaced by acting Senate President Win Gatchalian.

“Siguro, mas maganda, pag-aralan muna ng bagong leadership kung kailangan pang magkaroon ulit ng oath-taking ang mga Senator judges because we will remember, nag-convene na sila, nag-oath taking na rin,”

[“Maybe it would be better for the new leadership to first study whether the senator-judges need to take their oaths again, because remember, they have already convened and taken their oaths.”]

Luistro also emphasized that the trial should not be compromised by the ongoing issues between the Senate’s majority and minority bloc.

“We do not want to compromise the impeachment trial to the issues on leadership that is happening in the Senate,” she said

Senator Sherwin Gatchialian assures that the conflict won’t affect the impeachment and said that they will take an oath once the trial begins.