MANILA — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Senate employees should no longer be uncertain about the chamber’s chain of command, citing the recognition of the majority bloc led by Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian by several institutions.

In an interview on DZMM radio on Tuesday, Lacson said the Gatchalian-led majority has been recognized by the Civil Service Commission and other relevant bodies, making it clear which leadership should be followed within the Senate.

“Maliwanag naman sa atin kung sinong kinikilala ng Malacanang, ng House of Representatives, ng Civil Service Commission, ng IBP, at kung ano-ano pa ang mga grupo, kung sinong kinikilala talaga na liderato sa Senate,” he said.

Lacson said actions taken by the minority bloc led by former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano were creating uncertainty within the institution.

“So maliwanag na panggulo yung ginagawa ni Senator Alan, no, with all due respect, na nakaka-confuse, nakakagulo,” he added.

According to Lacson, the recognition extended by Malacañang, the House of Representatives, the Civil Service Commission, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and other groups reinforces the legitimacy of the Gatchalian-led leadership.

He also said Gatchalian has been meeting with department heads and committee secretaries to remind them to comply only with lawful and official directives.

Lacson added that Senate officials have assured employees that the chamber’s leadership would protect them as questions surrounding the Senate leadership continue to be raised.