MANILA — Malacañang called on senators to first settle their internal leadership dispute, saying any special session called by the President would be ineffective if the chamber remains divided.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said discussions on the possible convening of a special session are still ongoing, but emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants the Senate to resolve its internal issues first.

“Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay mauna ang Senado na magkasundo dahil kahit sabihin natin na mayroong hiling ang Pangulo para sa isang special session, kung sila mismo po ay hindi magkakasundo, mababale-wala po ang naisin ng Pangulo (The President wants the Senate to first reach an agreement on their leadership row because even if the President requests a special session, it would be pointless if the senators themselves cannot agree),” Castro said.

She added that senators should prioritize public service over personal interests.

“Dapat ayusin po nila ang Senado para… ito naman ay para sa taumbayan, hindi pangsarili. So, unahin muna nilang maayos ang kanilang mga sigalot at ang kanilang mga isyu sa Senado (They should fix the Senate because this is for the people, not for themselves. They must first resolve their conflicts and issues within the Senate),” she said.

The Senate has been dealing with a leadership dispute following the election of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate president after days of internal turmoil that led to the suspension of sessions.

Former Senate president Alan Peter Cayetano has rejected the leadership change, calling it an “illegal coup d’etat” and refusing to recognize the authority of the new majority bloc.

Despite the controversy, Malacañang has recognized Gatchalian as acting Senate leader, citing jurisprudence and Senate precedents.

Asked whether a special session could still be called if the impasse continues, Castro said it would be pointless if legislative work remains stalled.

“Kahit humiling ang Pangulo ng special session, kahit sa kaniya manggaling ang special session – kung wala pong mangyayari dahil hindi po nagkakasundo ang mga senador sa Senado, mababale-wala po iyan (Even if the President calls for a special session, it would be meaningless if nothing gets done because the senators remain divided),” she said.

“Dapat unahin ng mga senador natin ngayon ang taumbayan hindi ang sariling interes o ambisyon” (Our senators should prioritize the people, not their personal interests or ambitions),” Castro added.

The Palace earlier said the President remains open to calling a special session if Senate leaders formally request it and present valid grounds.