Chapter Text
Eactly five weeks after the Senateflix fiasco, from the coup overthrowing the Sotto bloc, to Bato Dela Rosa tumbling over at the senate stairs and bolting out after six months of shameless absence, to staged gunshots and emotional meltdowns, to Jinggoy Estrada’s arrest, and to whatever Allan Cayetano was doing on Facebook; President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a Special Session in the Senate today.
Rumors about Senator Joel Villanueva moving to the new majority as the 13th vote have been circulating during the weekend, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is expected to take his oath as Senate President. Senate media and staff gathered in the hallway as early as seven in the morning for the 9 A.M. session.
At exactly 8:07 A.M., a black SUV believed to be Senator Gatchalian’s was spotted approaching the Senate’s official entrance. Senate media rushed out and towards the car, with phones, cameras, and microphones extended towards the senator.
“Sir, confirmed na po yung kay Senator Joel as the 13th member?”
“Sen, may balita po ba from minority members if a-attend sila ngayon?”
“Senator, statement po for Ex- SP Alan?”
“Sir, any family members po na darating for your oath?”
Sherwin very slightly paused at the last question, as if remembering something, but answered – to no one specifically.
“We are full of expectations for today’s session.”
“Kinausap natin ang lahat ng miyembro ng senado at hinikayat na pumunta, lalo na’t may mga kailangan tayong ipasa na naudlot dahil sa mga nangyari the past few weeks. Tapos of course, yung sa ating mga LEDAC bills rin na priority natin maipasa”
“For other matters concerned, let’s see” he said as he proceeded swiftly into the office hallway.
Just as he was almost out of view, a white SUV approached the entrance.
“Si SenRi”
“Senator Hontiveros”
Senator Risa Hontiveros gracefully stepped out of the car. In true Risa fashion, she carried a tote bag in her left hand, and a thick stack of documents was clutched in her right arm.
“Ma’am, official na po ba ang paglipat ni Senator Joel sa new majority?”
“Senator, sa tingin niyo po ba sapat ang isang special session para mahabol ang lahat?”
“Senator, comment po on Senator Alan’s statements on quorum?”
The senator smiled as she responded.
“We are hopeful na marami tayong matatapos at ma-maximize natin ang ating special session today. And may priorities naman tayo sa bills, so we expect na maging productive tayo ngayon.“
She paused.
“As for the other matters, let’s see. Ang goal lang natin ay makabalik na sa trabaho”
She offered a tight-lipped smile as she retreated towards the hallway while the reporters dispersed in hushed voices.
“Let’s see daw. Parang pareho sila ng sagot ni Sen. Sherwin.”
“Oo nga, nag-usap ba yon sila”
About twenty minutes before the session, Risa was in her office organizing her usual– phone, ipad, different colored index cards, notebook, a red and a black pen, today’s stack of documents, a hair tie, rubbing alcohol, pocket tissues, a lipstick, a small mirror, and three pieces of kopiko candy in case she gets low blood sugar – you never know how long these things can go. Ten years of senate experience taught her that.
She hums in satisfaction as she accomplishes her mental checklist when a soft knock disrupts her.
“I’m finishing up, Jen. Just a minute”
She calls, expecting her executive assistant to be on the other side.
Another knock.
“Senator, may I come in?”
A deep, yet gentle voice asks.
“That’s not Jen”, she whispered.
“Sherwin?” she paused, confused.
“Come in.”
The door opens and reveals a 6-foot-something man in a white modern barong. He gently closes the door and strides toward the senator.
“Are Mom and Lexi on the way?” Risa asks.
“Uhh…technically”
Risa raised her brow.
“What do you mean?”
Sherwin scratches the back of his neck.
“Technically, they are” he paused, “but they’re also kind of stuck in traffic. ETA is 9:13 as per Lexi.”
Two lines form between the lady senator’s brows.
“Oh no. That’s cutting it very close. Do you think aabot?”
“Hopefully. But don’t you worry about that. I’ll have my staff fetch them sa back entrance.”
He nodded, as if convincing her.
“Now, everything good? We have a session to run, my gentle lady.”
“After you, my SP”
The plenary hall was buzzing in hushed chaos when both Senators entered the chamber. Risa was leading the way while Sherwin quietly followed.
“Good luck”
Risa whispered as they reached the platform and went their separate ways. Sherwin briefly looked back and gave a small, almost unnoticeable nod.
On the floor, senators gathered, waiting for the session to start. Senator Kiko and the Tulfo brothers are engrossed in conversation. Senator Tito and Ping are seated at the front, each on their phones. Senator Bam was roaming around the floor clutching some sort of folder, seemingly collecting signatures for a resolution. Very efficient. Senators JV and Migz are yet to be spotted.
Senator Risa took her seat, now on the left side of the room. For the longest time, she was always seated on the right. Briefly gazing over the familiar room, she settled slowly, then took out her phone.
To: Mama Dee
Ma, Sherwin says you’re stuck in traffic. Hopefully maka-abot kayo. Text me po if malapit na, and I’ll update his staff. Ingat!
She gazed forward and took in the view from her new seat. She looked up and found herself locking eyes with her partner. Of course, he was looking at her.
She smirked and discreetly gestured to her phone.
To: Chinito ❤️
Pretty nice view from up there.
Baka matunaw ako niyan, SP
The soon-to-be Senate President fishes out his phone as it vibrates, and a familiar notification appears – Bossing with a purple heart emoji.
He bottled in a smile as he replied.
To: Bossing 💜
Mamaya ka sa akin, gentle lady from Panay
The floor was called to session and Senator Migz Zubiri, the majority floor leader, approached the podium. Senator Vicente Sotto III was seated at the rostrum as the temporary presiding officer.
“Mr. Presiding Officer, it is with great honor that I nominate my colleague, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, as Senate President.”
“For the record, there have been no other nominations from the body, Mr. Presiding Officer.”
He added and then continued.
“For the information of everyone, Senator Gatchalian has served us for 10 years in the Senate, and never in his entire record na nag-clock out yan nang maaga. Hindi ko ba alam, kung gusto niya lang na siya ang nagsasara ng senado o dahil ba mahal na mahal niya lang talaga ang mga papeles niya o dahil he is very much single.”
The audience laughed.
“In fact, I’ve heard na ilan sa mga staff niya ang at risk of being single dahil sa sipag ng boss nila. But bad news for you guys, mukhang mas dadami pa ang trabaho niyo.”
More giggles and whispers followed, but a few groans stood out from the right side of the room where Sherwin’s staff is usually seated.
“Kidding aside, Senator Gatchalian has more than proven his competence and dedication to the Senate and the country, and I believe that his appointment as Senate President will help us move forward with a highly effective and functioning body for the service of the Filipino people.” Senator Migz concluded.
“Seconded!” The Tulfo brothers hollered from the back. Laughter immediately followed, earning them both a smack from their seatmate, Senator JV.
“The motion to elect Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President is recognized." Senator Sotto declares.
“Are there any objections?”
“…”
“I hear none”
“Congratulations, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the 4th Senate President of the 20th Congress.”
The sound of the gavel followed, and then applause filled the hall.
As with any leadership appointment, the oath followed. Risa scanned the room for a specific reddish-brown-haired woman, and her breath almost hitched in relief as she saw her walking towards the rostrum. She shifted her gaze toward her partner, discreetly nodding ー their own version of “You got this!”
She watched Dee Hua Ting Gatchalian, her future mother- in- law, walk up and stop behind his son, who looked like he was very much being roasted by Senator Zubiri.
“Nothing new.” she whispered as she shook her head.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the first Bachelor Senate President” Senator Migz teased as the staff prepared the mic set up.
“Seriously Sherwin, magkaka-world record ka na. Galaw- galaw rin humihina na ang tuhod.”
Sherwin laughed at the statement. He’s used to this, but the fact that his mother is just a few steps behind makes it a bit embarrassing. Although a sly part of him wanted to respond and brag about his girlfriend now.
“Kung sana inagahan niyo ang kasal,” she whispered aggressively and slapped him at the back.
“Aray!” he let out what looks like a chuckle and a cry for help.
“Mom, we’re taking our time. Bago pa lang kami.”
“Son, you’re 52. What time are you talking about?”
Little did they know, at that very moment, the mic had turned on and picked up their conversation.
“Tinghun, dapat this year”
She warned him.
“Bakit kasi pinaabot mo ng 10 years, eh sana may apo na ako sayo.”
A gasp. A collective gasp.
And silence followed.
Senator Migz blinked.
“What”
And the whole floor buzzed.
“Tinghun”
“Ano daw?”
“Ano yung tinghun?”
“Tinghun…10 years?” Senator Bam paused as he looked up.
“Ikakasal si Sherwin?” Senator Raffy Tulfo exclaimed.
Chaos ensued. Media and staff rushed towards the rostrum, extending their phones, cameras, and microphones.
Sherwin stiffened.
Risa stiffened.
Dee Hua… nowhere to be found. Apparently escorted out before the chaos.
“Order!”
“Order!”
The sound of the gavel resonated in the hall. Once, twice.
Senator Sotto attempted to take control of the floor but to no avail.
“Let’s have a 15-minute suspension”
Risa sat in disbelief. After months of being discreet, of warning each other, it’s the Senate President’s mom that they should have warned first.
“What the hell, Sherwin?” Senator Erwin Tulfo broke the silence.
Eight senators are currently in the Majority lounge. Senator Sotto and Senator Lacson both decided that they’re too old to involve themselves in whatever business Sherwin got himself into. The older senator extended his congratulations while Senator Lacson plainly looked at him and said, “Good luck”.
Senator Chiz returned to his office, while Senator Lito decided that breakfast was a much better companion than whatever was going to happen in the room. Senator Risa Hontiveros is also nowhere to be found.
“Seriously, dude? Anong 10 years?”
“Also, tinghun? It’s that serious and wala manlang kaming alam?”
The other Tulfo brother prodded.
Sherwin refused to look at them, but he also refused to look down. He didn't do anything wrong, after all. Instead, he looked at the folder in front of him and examined it a bit too interestingly.
“Dude, I’m seriously disappointed. With all my monologues sa session na you’re single tapos nirereto pa kita sa lahat ng beauty queens na pumupunta sa senate. Tapos, eto?”
“Pero seryoso, 10 years pare.” Senator JV prodded. “That’s torpe behavior”
Sherwin physically winced but ignored him.
“Sino? Artista? Beauty Queen? Lawyer?”
“Ganyan yung mga type mo diba? Or baka business partner niyo?” Senator Erwin added.
“Taga senado yan no” Senator Raffy joked.
Sherwin slightly stiffened. Not too obvious that one would notice, except when they looked closely. Unfortunately for him, a certain senator was watching him too closely.
“Nasaan pala si Risa”
Senator Kiko spoke from the other end of the room, and for the first time after being interrogated, Sherwin looked up.
“Di ata sumunod, kuya. Nasa floor pa nung umakyat tayo” Senator Bam replied.
JV shifted to Sherwin.
“Pare sige na, ilang minutes nalang session na. Ano yon, babalik tayo tapos wala parin kaming alam?”
Senator Migz blinked. He saw how his colleague’s gaze immediately snapped at the mention of the lady senator. He also saw how he paused when Senator Raffy joked about the woman being a someone from the senate.
“Hindi kaya...” A dangerous thought formed. But he isn’t very convinced himself. There’s no evidence, nothing unusual to support it even.
“But 10 years…” he thought.
“No” he whispered as he shook his head.
“No, right?”
A few gazes shifted towards the senator – including Sherwin’s.
“No, what?”
“Binalikan mo si Bianca.”
“What?”
“Ano daw?!”
“Pare seryoso ka??”
Sherwin looked horrified and then downright offended.
“What?”
“No!”
“I would never.”
“Gotcha” Migz thought.
And then…
“Risa”
Sherwin snapped his gaze towards Migz. He stared as if communicating something.
“What about Risa?” Senator JV asked.
Pause.
“Wala, kakatok yan in 3...2...1...”
Sure enough, a soft knock was heard and Risa entered.
“Hala paano mo nalaman Sen. Migz?” Senator Bam asked
“10 years of instinct.” He smirked.
“Guys, pinapatawag na tayo sa floor. Session resumes in three.” Senator Risa calls out from the door, looking at everyone but Sherwin.
Migz stood up first and went towards Risa.
“Ever the responsible. Of course, my dear. After you.” as they exit the room.
“Ano ba yan Sherwin. Aabangan kita mamaya. Ipapa Tulfo kita” Erwin declares as he walked out.
At the other end of the table, another senator was pondering too deeply. He noticed the way Sherwin stared at Migz earlier.
“10 years…” he paused.
“Si Migz?”
He shook his head.
“Ano bang pinag-iisip mo Kiko”