The House of Representatives expressed confidence in the new Senate leadership following the appointment of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as the duly elected Senate President.

Gatchalian’s appointment took place during a special session on June 17, 2026, which also served as a resumption of sessions and legislative duties for both the Senate and the House. 

According to House Speaker Faustino Bojie Dy III, the cooperation between the upper and lower chambers would accelerate the implementation of reforms for the benefit of the public. 

“Kapag nagtutulungan ang dalawang kapulungan, mas mabilis nating naihahatid ang mga repormang kailangan ng sambayanan,” he said

[“When both chambers work together, we can quickly deliver the reforms that the people need.”]

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos welcomed the newly elected SP Gatchalian.

“On behalf of the house, we would like to congratulate Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. We look forward to working with him. I have worked with him,” he said

So, I think that's exactly what this current political climate needs, especially there in the Senate – level-headedness and you know, just the need for all of us to really get back to work,” he added

House Impeachment Trial Spokesperson and Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co expressed hope that under the new leadership, no further delays would happen to the upcoming trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in July.

“Wala na pong dapat balakid sa pagtutuloy ng paglilitis on July 6,” she said 

[“There should no longer be any obstacles to continuing the trial on July 6.”]

Meanwhile, the pre-trial conference is scheduled to take place at the Senate on June 18, 2026. However, the conference will be closed to the media to allow participants to discuss matters openly.

With reports from Rosalie Coz