Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday said developments in the Senate that led to the election of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as acting Senate president were in accordance with the law and democratic processes. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Executive respects the decision of senators and recognizes the leadership chosen by the chamber.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian was elected acting Senate president during Wednesday's session after senators from the minority bloc, joined by Sen. Francis Escudero, established a quorum and proceeded with Senate business. The Senate also elected Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri as chairperson of the committee on rules, while former Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III administered Gatchalian's oath as the chamber's most senior member.

The leadership change came amid days of turmoil in the Senate following the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and the subsequent absence of members of the former majority bloc, led by erstwhile Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, resulting in the cancellation of sessions. Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed concern that disruptions in the Senate could affect the passage of priority legislation and measures intended to address pressing economic concerns, including the impact of rising global oil prices.