Photo courtesy of Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook.
Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian said banks have recognized him as the authorized signatory for Senate financial transactions, giving him control over payroll and other money matters amid the chamber’s leadership fight.
Gatchalian said he signed payroll checks with the Land Bank of the Philippines to release the salaries and benefits of nearly 2,100 Senate employees.
He said the same action also covered the promotion papers of eight Senate personnel.
At a press conference Wednesday, Gatchalian said Senate workers should not be dragged into the power struggle gripping the upper chamber.
He said employees serve the public daily and must receive their salaries and benefits on schedule despite the political standoff.
The development came as Gatchalian continued to act as Senate president, while Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano maintained that he remained the chamber’s duly elected leader.
Gatchalian said his priority was to keep Senate operations running and protect the welfare of employees while the leadership row continued.
He said the Senate must continue doing its work for the public, regardless of the dispute over who sits at the top.