Manila, June 17 -- Malacanang on Wednesday expressed optimism about the immediate passage of the Marcos administration's priority bills under the leadership of newly installed Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro welcomed Gatchalian's formal assumption of the Senate presidency during a special session, ending the two-week leadership row with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

"Pinapahatid ng Palasyo ang pagbati sa bagong halal na Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian (The Palace conveys its congratulations to newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian)," Castro said.

Castro said the Palace is confident that the Senate and the House of Representatives led by House Speaker Faustino Dy III w...