MANILA — Malacañang on Monday rejected a proposal by former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano for an interim leadership arrangement in the Senate, saying the Executive branch continues to recognize Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as the chamber’s legitimate acting leader.

During a Palace press briefing, Press Officer Claire Castro said the proposed arrangement involving dual signatories and joint certifications for Senate transactions would only create confusion and further complications in Senate operations.

“Muli, ang kinikilala ng ehekutibo ay si Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. Walang maidudulot sa ngayon ng ganitong klaseng arrangement,” Castro said.

Reports said Cayetano’s camp had been pushing for interim administrative arrangements with the Senate majority group led by Gatchalian.

Among the proposals was a “dual-signatory or joint certification mechanism for vouchers, checks, disbursements, contracts, personnel actions and other documents necessary for the continued operations of the Senate and the Impeachment Court.”

Gatchalian was elected acting Senate president last week following a leadership shift in the chamber that came amid days of internal turmoil, including the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and the absence of members of the former majority bloc, which led to the cancellation of sessions.

Cayetano has described the leadership change as an “illegal coup d’etat” and has refused to recognize the authority of the current Senate majority.

Castro warned that the proposed arrangement could resemble past political agreements that later became contentious.

“Baka mangyari na naman ang nangyari dati sa House of Representatives, kung saan mayroon na silang term-sharing agreement na hindi tinupad agad ni Senator Alan Cayetano,” she added.

She was referring to a previous term-sharing arrangement for the House speakership between Cayetano, then Taguig-Pateros representative, and then Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

Malacañang reiterated that Gatchalian’s election as acting Senate President is consistent with established jurisprudence, including the Avelino-Cuenco doctrine, and Senate precedents.

Castro added that the Executive branch will continue to coordinate only with Gatchalian on matters concerning Senate leadership and official communications. (PNA)