MANILA, June 3 -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday congratulated acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, expressing confidence that the Senate would continue to discharge its constitutional duties, as House leaders, led by Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III, welcomed the chamber's return to full functionality.

"On behalf of the House of Representatives, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Acting Senate President, Sherwin Gatchalian, on your assumption of this important responsibility," Dy said in a statement.

"At a time when our nation looks to its institutions for stability and leadership, a fully functioning Senate is essential to advancing legislation, exercising oversight, and upholding democratic governance. We ...