Gatchalian points to Landbank signature transfer as proof of Senate control

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MANILA, Philippines — Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has asserted his "operational management and operational control" over the Senate, citing the completion of signature transfers with Landbank.

This development, he said, now enables him to sign checks and issue official documents for the Senate, which he said indicates his authority.

“So, pumipirma na tayo ng tseke at nag-i-issue na tayo ng mga dokumento para ma-debit yung account ng Senado,” Gatchalian said in an online press conference on Wednesday, June 10.

(So, we are already signing checks and issuing documents to debit the Senate's account.)

He also assured Senate employees that they will continue to receive their weekly salaries and benefits without delay.

He acknowledged that many Senate employees have expressed anxiety and confusion regarding their weekly pay due to the leadership dispute between his camp and that of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

“Akin ang pinaka-importante lang tuloy ang operations, walang ma-delay na sweldo. In fact, ang benefits advance nga ang pagbibigay natin. Even promotions advance rin,” Gatchalian said.

(For me, the most important thing is that operations continue and no salaries are delayed. In fact, we are even releasing benefits in advance. Even promotions are being advanced.)

“I assure them na ang aking priority ay mga empleyado, their welfare, and marami sa kanila actually kinakabahan sa sweldo,” he added.

(I assure them that my priority is the employees and their welfare, especially since many of them are actually anxious about their salaries.)

The House of Representatives and Malacañang have recognized Gatchalian's Senate leadership.

Despite this, Cayetano continues to assert his legitimacy, saying there is a need for a 13-member quorum to replace the Senate president and committee chairpersons.

With Gatchalian in charge, he has been issuing directives concerning the administration of the Senate. One such directive authorized a work-from-home setup from June 10 to 11 due to an alleged threat against the Senate.

For his part, Cayetano has also been issuing letters and directives under the title of "Senate President."

Cayetano proposed an interim arrangement with Gatchalian's bloc to shield Senate personnel from conflicting orders by allowing both sides to sign off on key documents requiring approval.

However, he claimed that Gatchalian's bloc rejected his offer.