Key facts
- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected as the new leader of the Philippine Senate with 13 out of 24 votes.
- Gatchalian, an ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., replaced Alan Peter Cayetano, an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
- The leadership change occurred amid political uncertainty and ahead of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
- The Senate is expected to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in July.
- Vice President Sara Duterte faces impeachment charges including unexplained wealth and publicly threatening President Marcos Jr.
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine Senate has elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as its new leader, concluding a period of internal power struggle and formalizing the removal of Alan Peter Cayetano. Gatchalian, an ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., secured 13 votes from the 24-member chamber, while Cayetano, a key supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, conceded defeat.
The leadership change occurs amid significant political uncertainty and just weeks before the Senate is set to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of Rodrigo Duterte. The infighting within the Senate is perceived as being influenced by the ongoing political disputes between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte, who were once allies but have since had a public falling out.
Cayetano had previously claimed the Senate presidency based on a slim majority, with Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the ICC, casting a decisive vote. Dela Rosa previously served as Rodrigo Duterte’s national police chief and is named by the ICC as a co-perpetrator in alleged crimes against humanity related to the former president's anti-drug campaign. Dela Rosa went into hiding after the ICC unsealed a warrant for his arrest.
Adding to the political turmoil, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, another Cayetano ally, was arrested and jailed on a plunder charge. Control over the Senate is considered crucial as it is expected to commence the trial of Vice President Duterte in July. She faces impeachment by the House of Representatives, which is dominated by Marcos' allies, on charges including unexplained wealth and threatening President Marcos Jr. The Vice President denies these allegations, which her supporters claim are fabricated to hinder her potential presidential bid in 2028.
Political professor Jean Franco noted that while the resolution of the Senate leadership standoff is a relief, the country's democracy, with its "weak and fragile institutions," still faces challenges.