Former Senator Richard Gordon has expressed support for Senator Win Gatchalian as Acting Senate President, saying the Senate needs a steady and unifying leader after days of political turmoil.
“After the turmoil of recent days, Senator Win Gatchalian is the perfect fit to lead the Senate forward. He is fair, level-headed, and has always treated everyone with respect. More importantly, he listens,” Gordon said.
“At a time when emotions are running high and divisions have surfaced, the Senate needs a leader who can bring people together and restore trust among its members,” he added.
Gordon said the Senate proceedings that led to the leadership change were valid, citing the doctrine in Avelino v. Cuenco that quorum should be based on the number of senators able to attend and participate, not necessarily the full 24-member Senate.
“Simply stated, the quorum should not be based on the full complement of 24 senators, but on the actual number of senators who are able to attend and participate in Senate proceedings,” Gordon said.
He said senators who are “beyond the coercive reach” of the chamber or otherwise unable to perform their duties should not be counted in determining quorum.
Gordon added that he had long maintained that the quorum count should reflect the actual number of senators capable of attending and voting, even before Gatchalian said 22 should be used as the basis.
“With a quorum present, the Senate was fully empowered to act. The Senate properly proceeded with its business, declared the elective offices vacant, and elected Senator Gatchalian as Senate Pro Tempore. The proceedings were conducted in accordance with the Senate Rules and must be accorded full respect,” he said.
Gordon also criticized Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his allies, saying their absence appeared intended to deny the Senate a quorum and paralyze the institution.
“The Filipino people are not interested in endless political drama. They expect their senators to work, deliberate, and solve problems. The nation faces serious challenges, and the Senate must devote its energy to addressing them,” Gordon said.
He urged all senators to work with the majority and help restore unity in the chamber.
“Leadership is about building consensus, not creating conflict. It is about strengthening institutions, not weakening them. Senator Gatchalian has the temperament, integrity, and leadership qualities needed to guide the Senate through this period,” Gordon said.
“There will always be differences of opinion in a democracy. But no senator and no faction is bigger than the Senate. The time has come to set aside division, respect the will of the majority, and move forward together,” he added.