Senate Leadership Talks Stir Speculation on Senate Presidency
Senate leadership talks have recently become a hot topic as various senators express their intentions for the upcoming 20th Congress. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada remains confident that the current leadership will hold firm despite rumors of challenges.
Estrada acknowledged that “everything is possible, everything is fluid” with the Senate presidency position. However, he emphasized, “I’m confident Senate President Escudero will still retain his position as Senate president.” He declined to elaborate on the reasons behind his confidence but denied that the executive branch is involved in leadership negotiations. Furthermore, Estrada dismissed claims that Senator Vicente Sotto III sought his support, stating, “I don’t think Tito Sen will call me because he knows I’m aligned with Chiz, being his Pro Tempore.” He also denied any personal interest in serving as interim Senate president, clarifying, “I will decline it (if offered). But that’s not true.”
Other Potential Candidates Emerge Amid Senate Presidency Discussions
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos disclosed that several senators have approached her to consider running for Senate president. She stated, “Some senators have approached me with the proposal to be their candidate for Senate president. Whoever will be elected by our peers, whether it is me or not, there are certain congressional reforms that need to be undertaken.”
Marcos emphasized the need to reform the budgetary process, urging to “Tigilan na ang mahiwagang bicam (Let’s put a stop to questionable bicam).” She advocates for prioritizing spending on food security, support for farmers and fishermen, education, health, and essential social services. Marcos also highlighted that once the Office of the President submits the National Expenditure Program to Congress, “the power of the purse must be respected.”
She further criticized the Department of Budget and Management’s proposal allowing the President to observe bicameral conference committee meetings on the 2026 budget, calling it “infirm and unconstitutional.” Marcos also recommended initiating electoral and political party reforms to prevent parties from serving personal ambitions instead of public interest. She concluded, “Above all, the Senate as the guardian of national interest must always be upheld; its independence non-negotiable.”
The Tulfo Brothers Weigh Their Options
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo shared that both Escudero and Sotto have reached out to him, requesting meetings. However, he and his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, have yet to decide on their support, saying, “Last night, Raffy and I talked but we haven’t discerned them yet, so we have not yet decided.” Erwin added that he plans to follow whichever candidate his brother backs.
As the Senate prepares for the 20th Congress, the ongoing Senate leadership talks continue to shape the political landscape. With various senators positioning themselves and discussing reforms, the coming weeks promise significant developments.
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