Newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian —INQUIRER PHOTO/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Newly elected Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Wednesday recognized the statesmanship shown by senators previously aligned with the current minority bloc, particularly Senators Joel Villanueva and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, for showing up during the special session.
Gatchalian sent his praise as the Senate had been in an impasse for weeks, as two competing blocs led by Gatchalian and Cayetano vied for control over the chamber.
The standoff only ended on Wednesday after the conduct of a special session where thanks to the attendance of Villanueva, allowed the new majority to reach 13 votes in electing Gatchalian as the new leader of the Senate.
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