A proposal for a power-sharing arrangement in the Senate was rejected since the chamber had already settled its leadership issue during its June 3 session.
In a radio interview, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said 12 senators formed a quorum last week when the chamber declared all positions vacant, elected him as Senate President Pro Tempore, and designated him as acting Senate President.
“Well, doon sa June 3 session, klaro kung sino ang hinalal na Senate president pro tempore at klaro rin kung sino ang dinesignate as acting Senate president,” the solon said.
He said the proposal for shared authority was not possible because only one senator was elected to the post.
“Isa lang. Kaya hindi posible yung power sharing dahil isang tao lang ang hinalal,” he added.
The statement came after Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano proposed a dual-signatory or joint certification mechanism for key Senate documents to ensure that the chamber’s work as both a legislative body and impeachment court would continue despite the leadership dispute.
Under the proposal, vital documents such as vouchers, checks, disbursements, contracts, and personnel actions would carry the signatures of both senators, where practicable.
Gatchalian, however, said he would continue performing his duties as acting Senate president and Senate President Pro Tempore, including presiding over the impeachment court.
“Klaro naman na ang Senate president ang tatayong presiding officer, and in the absence of the Senate president, yung acting Senate president,” he said.
He said the Senate is also discussing whether to ask President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to call a special session while Congress is on sine die adjournment from June 6 to July 26.
Among the matters being considered for a special session is the promotion of five Armed Forces officers to the rank of general.
The senator said the appointments were not acted upon after the Senate failed to hold sessions for three days, adding that the promotions were time-sensitive.
“Kaso, hindi nga nagkaroon ng tatlong araw na session kaya hindi napag-usapan ’yan. Pero yan ay isang bagay na ilalagay natin sa special session,” he said.
He said officials were studying how the matter could be included, noting that the Commission on Appointments follows a different structure.
Gatchalian also defended the validity of the June 3 proceedings, saying Senate records from previous years showed that the chamber had repeatedly recognized a 12-member quorum.
He cited instances from 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2020 when the Senate declared a quorum with 12 senators present due to vacancies, detention, official missions, medical leave, or other absences.
According to him, the records show that the June 3 session was not without precedent.
“Hindi natin puwedeng baguhin ang kasaysayan. Ang Senate records mismo ang nagpapatunay na hindi na bago ang nangyaring sesyon noong June 3 at ito ay lehitimo,” he said.