Duterte Bloc Yet to Finalize Senate President Bet
The Duterte bloc has not yet chosen their bet for the next Senate president, sources familiar with the matter reveal. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed on Tuesday, May 20, that the group is still undecided because some members are currently abroad.
The group allied with former President Rodrigo Duterte includes Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, Imee Marcos, and Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, along with senator-elect and Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta. Among them, Dela Rosa, Go, and Marcos recently secured fresh six-year Senate terms.
“We don’t have a final decision yet,” Dela Rosa told reporters in Filipino during an interview. “We haven’t talked about it yet. We still have to discuss it. We can’t have a final decision since Sen. Padilla is still abroad; we’ll wait for his return and then discuss things.”
Padilla traveled to the Netherlands earlier when the former leader faced charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to alleged crimes during his administration’s war on drugs.
Potential Senate Leadership Contenders
Meanwhile, former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who also won a Senate seat in the May 2025 elections, has revealed that several senators are willing to support his return as Senate leader.
When asked about replacing incumbent Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Dela Rosa said he has no issues with the current leader. “So far we’re good,” the former Philippine National Police chief stated.
However, Dela Rosa acknowledged that others might also vie for the Senate presidency. “I’m sure there are others there who have that kind of ambition. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano can also run. There are so many possibilities,” he noted, adding that former Senate president Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is another likely candidate.
“I just see the capabilities of my colleagues in the Senate,” Dela Rosa remarked, highlighting the diverse options for leadership.
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