MANILA, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Senate on Wednesday elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president. On June 3, Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore.

Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian presides as Senate Pro Tempore during the plenary session at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay, Metro Manila on June 3, 2026. (File photo: AFP)

Thirteen senators voted to install Gatchalian as the new head of the 24-member chamber during a special session, the minimum number required to elect a new Senate president.