By Lane Afable, News Editor
After gaining support from top government officials and institutions, Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also won the public’s acceptance and approval, as shown in a public event on Friday, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said.
Lacson said public support for Gatchalian was evident when the crowd at the Independence Day rites at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila cheered after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged him as Senate President Pro Tempore.
“The cheering and applause this morning simply symbolized public acceptance and approval versus public disapproval and disgust. No need to mention here ‘who versus who,’” Lacson said on X.
Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President last June 3, after Sen. Francis Escudero joined the then 11-member majority to form a quorum – and end the paralysis at the Senate caused by the boycott of the then majority headed by disgraced ex-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
Key government institutions including Malacanang, the House of Representatives and the Civil Service Commission, as well as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and various organizations, have recognized Gatchalian as acting Senate leader.
With this, Lacson said there should be no more confusion on whose leadership is to be recognized and followed, amid the minority’s continued insistence to the contrary.
