MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, June 4, 2026, reiterated its recognition of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Acting Senate President, as the Senate remained mired in a leadership dispute between two rival blocs.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the executive branch defers to the Senate to resolve its internal conflict.

"'Yung internal problems ng Senado dapat sila muna ang mag-sort out, sila ang mag-settle ng anumang kinapapalooban ng Senado," Castro said.

[The Senate's internal problems should be resolved by them first. They should settle whatever is happening within the Senate.]

Castro also made clear where the Palace stands in terms of official recognition.

"As far as the Palace is concerned, kinilala na po natin ang liderato ni Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. Kung anuman po ang ibibigay na mensahe sa ehekutibo 'yun po ang ating kikilalanin," she added.

[As far as the Palace is concerned, we have already recognized the leadership of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. Whatever message is given to the executive, that is what we will recognize.]

The Palace first issued its recognition on Wednesday, June 3, shortly after the Senate session ended. "Ang nangyari sa senado ngayong hapon ay naaayon sa batas at rule of law. Kinikilala at nirerespeto ng Palasyo ang desisyon ng bagong mayorya at liderato ni acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian," Castro said in a press briefing. 

[What happened in the Senate this afternoon is in accordance with the law and the rule of law. The Palace recognizes and respects the decision of the new majority and the leadership of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.]

Senate leadership shakeup

The power shift took place on the last session day of the Senate on Wednesday, June 3. Sen. Francis Escudero's decision to join the erstwhile minority bloc gave it a new majority of 12 members, against 10 in the Cayetano camp. Sotto moved to declare all Senate leadership positions vacant and subsequently nominated Gatchalian, who was installed as Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President.

Gatchalian said the new majority was "compelled" to convene, noting that Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano had been absent from two previously scheduled sessions. "After the Senate adjourned on May 26, 2026, session was scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1, 2026 and on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 but the former Senate President failed to appear in both instances," he said.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III immediately acknowledged and congratulated Gatchalian on behalf of the House of Representatives, saying that "a fully functioning Senate is essential to advancing legislation, exercising oversight, and upholding democratic governance." 

PBBM urges Senate to return to work

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on senators to return to work, warning that the chamber's inability to hold sessions had disrupted essential legislative functions and undermined government efforts to address pressing national concerns. According to the President, the administration was exploring all legal and constitutional options to address the situation, but stressed that resolving the deadlock ultimately depended on the cooperation and commitment of the Senate leadership.

Malacañang had earlier raised concerns that the Senate turmoil could affect the passage of priority measures before the sine die adjournment of the first regular session of the 20th Congress on June 6, 2026. Session resumes on July 27, coinciding with President Marcos' fifth State of the Nation Address.

Cayetano has maintained that his removal as Senate President was illegal and that he remains the "legitimate, legal, and moral" leader of the chamber.