Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian is gaining support from key Senate groups for the Senate presidency, with both the minority bloc and the 11-member Solid Bloc 11 backing him as a possible leader who could help restore public trust in the chamber.
The support comes amid calls for a change in Senate leadership and renewed efforts to rebuild the institution’s credibility following controversies that have affected public perception of the chamber.
In a statement, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said Solid Bloc 11 wants Gatchalian to become the next Senate President, citing his competence, fairness, and record in scrutinizing the national budget.
“We, of the SB-11 or Solid Bloc 11, all want Senator Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian to become Senate President. He has proven, especially during the deliberations on the 2026 national budget, that he can protect the people’s money and ensure that public funds go where they are most needed,” Pangilinan said.
“Principle-wise, Sen. Win is competent, steady, and fair,” he added.
Pangilinan said Gatchalian could serve as a unifying figure for senators seeking a more reform-oriented and accountable Senate.
“In realpolitik, he can unite a broader, reform-oriented Senate that is more balanced, more accountable, and acceptable even to some members of the current majority,” he said.
The statement also noted that incumbent Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano had previously said he may vote for Gatchalian as Senate President.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson also said the minority bloc sees Gatchalian as qualified and prepared for the post, citing his performance in committee hearings and plenary work.
“He is capable, qualified and prepares for his work. In all the committee hearings he attended or presided over, he knew what he was talking about and he was prepared. So we see him as eminently qualified to become the Senate President of the 20th Congress at least,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
In a separate interview, Lacson said Gatchalian is “acceptable not only to the minority but to some members of the majority,” a factor that could help unite a divided chamber.
Lacson said restoring the Senate’s integrity is “non-negotiable” for the minority, citing controversies surrounding the 2025 national budget, flood control projects, and complaints filed against some sitting senators.
“Never in my memory as a senator have I seen the House of Representatives enjoying better public perception than the Senate,” he said.
He also pointed to the May 13 shooting incident inside the Senate as a low point for the chamber.
“That’s the lowest depth the Senate has sunk. I don’t see it sinking any lower,” Lacson said.
Lacson, however, ruled out seeking the Senate presidency himself, saying the position requires a level of compromise that does not fit his style.
“To be Senate President, you should know how to adapt, to give and take. You need a very wide gray area. Mine is very narrow. What’s black is black and what’s white is white for me. So I’m probably not cut out for it,” he said.
With support now coming from both the minority bloc and Solid Bloc 11, Gatchalian is emerging as a possible consensus choice for senators seeking leadership change and institutional repair.
“Hope springs eternal. We are hoping against hope that we can redeem soonest the Senate’s image from its lowest depths,” Lacson said.