Sotto next Senate president
Achange in the Senate leadership is in the offing, with Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto 3rd expected to assume the chamber’s top post, Sen. Panfilo Lacson revealed on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters during the Kapihan sa Senado news forum, Lacson said there was an “understanding” between Sotto and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel 3rd that they would split the term of the top post.
He said such an arrangement was not new and that the only matter that needed to be resolved was the date of the execution.
“If there is a standing agreement we will all respect the agreement and vote on what has been agreed upon,” Lacson said. “Knowing Senate President Pimentel, hindi siya magbabago sa ganitong klaseng usapan [he will not renege on this agreement].”
In March, The Manila Times reported that a leadership change would occur in the Senate during the third and last session of the 17th Congress, after the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Sources told The Times Sotto would take over the leadership of the chamber when Pimentel steps down for his reelection bid. It was not however clear if the leadership change would also affect other positions in the Senate.
Senate insiders are speculating that the revamp is part of a “termsharing” agreement forged between Pimentel and Sotto ahead of the 2019 elections.
Pimentel and Sotto denied any term-sharing agreement, although the former said he could be replaced anytime.
“I am saying that I can be replaced anytime. I’m willing to let go. There will be no hard feelings and I will also be a part of the majority,” Pimentel said.
Sotto in the same story said no two senators could agree to share a term because members of the chamber elect their leaders.
“Term-sharing is not an issue. Senate leaders serve at the pleasure of the senators,” he added.