Senate Leadership Faces Uncertainty Amid Veteran Bloc Talks
MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito openly expressed his support for incumbent Senate President Francis Escudero, despite his respect for former Senate President and reelected Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. This stance came amid discussions about the chamber’s leadership, as the senator weighed his options on the evolving political dynamics.
In an interview on DWIZ, Ejercito revealed that the “veteran bloc” in the Senate initially backed Sotto for the Senate presidency. However, Ejercito remains firmly behind Escudero to lead the chamber when the 20th Congress convenes.
“I have to be honest, I’m finding it difficult. Put another way, I’m caught in the middle,” Ejercito said in Filipino during the interview. His candid words reflect the tension within the Senate’s leadership race.
Respect for Sotto Amid Political Shifts
Ejercito acknowledged Sotto’s significant contributions, highlighting the former Senate president’s role in passing key laws like Republic Act 11201, which established the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and Republic Act 11223, the Universal Health Care Law. Both laws were co-authored by Ejercito himself.
“He was Senate president and really pushed and supported me to have those passed. He is also my partymate, so the respect never goes away,” Ejercito said.
Despite his respect for Sotto, Ejercito anticipates potential changes in Senate leadership once the new Congress starts. Citing his position as deputy majority leader, he expressed loyalty to Escudero: “I’ll probably be one of the last to leave (Escudero) because I am part of his leadership.”
“It’s not in my nature to leave people,” he added.
Veteran Bloc Emerges in Senate Leadership Discussions
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri revealed that a “veteran bloc” has taken shape within the Senate. This group, which initially supported Sotto’s bid for Senate president, includes himself, Sotto, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, and Loren Legarda.
Zubiri’s announcement came shortly after Senator Joel Villanueva confirmed that Escudero enjoys the backing of at least 13 of the 24 senators in the chamber. This support could prove crucial as the Senate navigates its leadership decisions.
The evolving dynamics highlight a Senate at a crossroads, balancing veteran influence with emerging leadership preferences. With key senators expressing varied loyalties, the chamber’s direction remains fluid ahead of the 20th Congress.
For more news and updates on Senate leadership, visit Filipinokami.com.
