Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the Senate minority bloc will continue to push for another change in Senate leadership, backing Senator Win Gatchalian to become the next Senate President because the chamber needs steady and unifying leadership following recent controversies and political tensions that have affected the institution.
The veteran lawmaker believes that Gatchalian possesses the experience, professionalism, and temperament necessary to guide the Senate through a challenging period and help restore public confidence in the chamber.
“Sabi nga nila, in politics, one day is a long time. So, we will see. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagsusuyo and we really believe Senator Win Gatchalian is an excellent choice,” he said during a Zoom interview when asked about the possibility of electing Gatchalian as a new Senate President amid internal chaos, including a shooting incident, in the Senate.
“His leadership will have stabilized the Senate at yung kanyang sipag, at acceptable naman siya sa napakarami nating kapwa senators. Yun ang ating gusto (natin) mangyari para ma-stabilize ang Senate (at) magbalik ang tiwala,” Pangilinan added in a separate radio interview.
The senator assured that the entire Solid Bloc 11 (SB 11), referring to the Senate minority bloc, backs Gatchalian as a possible replacement to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
He pointed out that Gatchalian has proven his mettle as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, who ensured transparency in the 2026 national budget after the flood control controversy.
He also commended his fellow senator for approving the highest agricultural budget since 2010 under his watch.
“We are united and we know madami din naniniwala at humahanga sa kanya sa majority, so baka sakali may ilan sa kanila makumbinsi,” Pangilinan noted.