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'Umayos Kayo': Marcos Sends Message As Palace Backs New Senate Leadership
Screengrab from RTVM
Malacañang has recognized the Senate’s new leadership following the dramatic reorganization of the chamber on June 3, signaling the administration’s acceptance of Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian as the Senate’s current leader.
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace considers the leadership transition legal and valid, amid continuing debate over the Senate's leadership shakeup and questions raised by allies of former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
According to Castro, the administration recognizes Gatchalian’s leadership and expects the Senate to move forward with its legislative work after days of political uncertainty.
The Palace's position comes as legal experts and several constitutional scholars argue that the Senate session that led to the leadership change was supported by existing jurisprudence, particularly the Supreme Court’s landmark *Avelino vs. Cuenco* ruling, which has been cited as the basis for the validity of the quorum during the June 3 session.
But beyond the legal arguments, Castro revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had a direct message for senators amid the ongoing conflict.
“Umayos kayo.”
The brief but pointed remark underscored the President’s frustration over the political turmoil that has gripped the Senate in recent days, with rival factions clashing over leadership, committee assignments, and the chamber’s authority to conduct official business.
The Senate leadership dispute has drawn national attention because it comes at a crucial time for Congress. Several priority measures remain pending, while the Senate is also expected to prepare for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, one of the most closely watched political proceedings in recent years.
Observers have noted that prolonged instability in the Senate could delay legislative work and complicate preparations for major constitutional responsibilities, including the impeachment process.
Despite the controversy, Malacañang's recognition of Gatchalian as Acting Senate President appears to strengthen the position of the new Senate majority and could help settle questions regarding the validity of actions taken during the June 3 session.
For now, the Palace is making clear that it wants lawmakers to put political infighting aside and focus on their duties.
And in three simple words, the President’s message to the Senate was unmistakable:
“Umayos kayo.”
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace considers the leadership transition legal and valid, amid continuing debate over the Senate's leadership shakeup and questions raised by allies of former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
According to Castro, the administration recognizes Gatchalian’s leadership and expects the Senate to move forward with its legislative work after days of political uncertainty.
The Palace's position comes as legal experts and several constitutional scholars argue that the Senate session that led to the leadership change was supported by existing jurisprudence, particularly the Supreme Court’s landmark *Avelino vs. Cuenco* ruling, which has been cited as the basis for the validity of the quorum during the June 3 session.
But beyond the legal arguments, Castro revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had a direct message for senators amid the ongoing conflict.
“Umayos kayo.”
The brief but pointed remark underscored the President’s frustration over the political turmoil that has gripped the Senate in recent days, with rival factions clashing over leadership, committee assignments, and the chamber’s authority to conduct official business.
The Senate leadership dispute has drawn national attention because it comes at a crucial time for Congress. Several priority measures remain pending, while the Senate is also expected to prepare for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, one of the most closely watched political proceedings in recent years.
Observers have noted that prolonged instability in the Senate could delay legislative work and complicate preparations for major constitutional responsibilities, including the impeachment process.
Despite the controversy, Malacañang's recognition of Gatchalian as Acting Senate President appears to strengthen the position of the new Senate majority and could help settle questions regarding the validity of actions taken during the June 3 session.
For now, the Palace is making clear that it wants lawmakers to put political infighting aside and focus on their duties.
And in three simple words, the President’s message to the Senate was unmistakable:
“Umayos kayo.”
Jun 4, 2026
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