FACT CHECK: Magalong statement on Villanueva joining Gatchalian bloc is fake (opens original article in a new tab)

A statement attributed to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong criticizing Senator Joel Villanueva for joining Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian's bloc was confirmed as fake by Magalong's office. The claim circulated on social media but Magalong has not made any public comments on the Senate leadership changes. Villanueva's move provided the crucial vote for Gatchalian's election as Senate president.

• Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong's statement criticizing Senator Joel Villanueva for joining Gatchalian's bloc is fake
• Magalong's office confirmed the statement was not made and has not commented on Senate leadership changes
• Villanueva joined Gatchalian's majority bloc, providing the 13th vote for his election as Senate president