Manila, June 17 -- The Senate on Wednesday formally elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President after the presence of Senator Joel Villanueva brought the number of senators on the floor to 13.

After declaring a quorum, Gatchalian recognized Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who moved to proceed with the election of the Senate President and nominated Gatchalian for the post.

Zubiri cited Gatchalian's record as Valenzuela City mayor, member of the House of Representatives, senator, and chairperson of major committees, including energy, economic affairs, basic education, and finance.

"He is the leader that the Senate needs in this time of division and disarray," Zubiri said in his nomination speech.

Zubiri said Gatch...