MANILA — Malacañang is only recognizing the Senate bloc led by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian following weeks of leadership tensions in the upper chamber, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

In a media report, it said that in an interview over Super Radyo dzBB, Castro said the Executive branch will engage only with the leadership of the acting Senate President recognized by the administration.

“Wala kikilalanin ang Palasyo, walang kikilalanin ang Ehekutibo kundi ang liderato lamang po ni Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. So kung ano po pakikipag-ugnayan, kung hinihingi po sila ng special session, makipag-ugnayan lang po sila sa Pangulo dahil kinikilala po sila,” Castro said.

She added that Gatchalian’s leadership is also recognized by the House of Representatives and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

“Huwag na niya pong ipilit kasi wala nang kumikilala sa kanyang liderato (He should stop insisting since no one acknowledges his leadership),” she said, referring to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

Castro made the statement following the election of Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President by a 12-senator bloc on June 3.

The development came after the Cayetano-led group skipped Senate sessions earlier in the week, citing concerns over what it described as challenges to the chamber’s independence.

Castro said the country needs leaders who will prioritize public interest over personal or political alliances.

“Maraming nagsasabi na huwag namang kapit-tuko sa puwesto. Ngayon po, ang kailangan ng bayan ay ang totoong leader, totoong public servant. Hindi sisilbihan ang sarili, hindi sisilbihan ang interes ng mga kaalyado. So siguro ngayon ang tamang panahon na magpakabayanin siya,” she said.

She also addressed claims from Cayetano that the Gatchalian bloc had coordinated with Malacañang, saying there is no information confirming such meetings and urging the public to be cautious about online claims.

Castro stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the separation of powers between branches of government.

“Hindi totoo na nakikialam ang Pangulo sa Senado dahil naniniwala ang Pangulo at nire-respeto po yung separation of powers. Sabi nga po natin kung nagdidikta ang Pangulo, walang gulo sa Senado,” she said.

Cayetano earlier claimed the Senate leadership move involving 12 senators was “coordinated” and alleged contacts with Malacañang, although no evidence was presented in the statement.

He also reiterated concerns over the Senate’s independence, linking the tensions to ongoing political disputes within the chamber.