Thursday, October 29, 2026  ·  Manila
 Breaking News, Special Reports and In-Depth Stories in the Philippines
TSR
Nation

‘Senateflix’ over: Gatchalian says Senate now focused on LEDAC bills after confirming 85 diplomats, 5 generals

‘Senateflix’ over: Gatchalian says Senate now focused on LEDAC bills after confirming 85 diplomats, 5 generals
Share

The situation, in brief

The Senate’s recent public drama, dubbed “Senateflix,” is officially over, new Senate President Win Gatchalian said Saturday, declaring that the chamber’s serious legislative work has resumed following the confirmation of dozens of government officials during a special session. Gatchalian made the…

The Senate’s recent public drama, dubbed “Senateflix,” is officially over, new Senate President Win Gatchalian said Saturday, declaring that the chamber’s serious legislative work has resumed following the confirmation of dozens of government officials during a special session.

Gatchalian made the declaration in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on June 20, saying the Senate confirmed 85 Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel and five generals during the special session—confirmations he said were critical because they unlock promotions further down the chain of command.

“Nasabi ko nga doon sa ating presscon na tapos na ang Senateflix, so tapos na po ‘yung drama na nakikita ng ating mga kababayan sa Senado. Umpisa na nung aming seryosong pagtrabaho,” Gatchalian said.

He said the Senate is now turning its attention to 53 LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) bills—priority measures jointly identified by the executive and legislative branches—of which roughly 40 remain pending in the Senate and will be the chamber’s primary focus moving forward.

Gatchalian said he is open to organizing informal briefings or caucuses with subject matter experts on the various LEDAC bills, covering topics ranging from energy to economy to education, to ensure senators fully understand each measure before voting.

He said the Senate will also continue preparations for the upcoming impeachment proceedings, which remain on the calendar previously agreed upon, even as the chamber pivots back to its regular legislative agenda.

More on Nation

See all
Marcos’ net satisfaction ratings drops to ‘poor’ in latest SWS survey
Nation

Marcos’ net satisfaction ratings drops to ‘poor’ in latest SWS survey

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s net satisfaction rating fell to “poor” from “neutral” in the third-quarter survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS). Marcos’ net satisfaction rating dropped to -11 in September 2026 from -7 in June, according to the survey. The SWS said 35% of adult Filipinos…

Magellan may have reached the Philippines because of El Niño — without knowing it: study
Nation

Magellan may have reached the Philippines because of El Niño — without knowing it: study

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan may have reached the Philippines in 1521 because of El Niño, without him or his fellow voyagers knowing it. A 2021 study by Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick of North Carolina State University and Dr. Richard Callaghan of the University of Calgary examined Magellan’s…

More than one teaspoon of salt increases risk of heart diseases, stroke — WHO
Nation

More than one teaspoon of salt increases risk of heart diseases, stroke — WHO

Cardiovascular diseases remain the world’s leading cause of death—not only in the Philippines—the World Health Organization (WHO) said. According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases claim an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, with excessive salt intake identified as one of the key…

‘Very strong’ El Niño may emerge by October, PAGASA warns: ‘This should be taken seriously’
Nation

‘Very strong’ El Niño may emerge by October, PAGASA warns: ‘This should be taken seriously’

Reduced rainfall may be experienced in the coming months as the El Niño phenomenon continues to rapidly strengthen and may persist until the first half of 2027, according to the PAGASA. Ana Solis, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Impact Assessment and Prediction Section, said warming ocean temperatures…

Free newsletter

The Morning SitRep

The day’s most important stories in the Philippines and the world, in one five-minute read. Delivered at 6 AM, Monday to Saturday.

Breaking alerts Special reports first No spam
Check your inbox — we’ve sent a link to confirm your subscription.Something went wrong. Please try again in a moment. By subscribing you agree to TSR’s privacy policy.