Liberal Leaders Defend Senate Majority Decision
In a recent statement, Liberal Party stalwart and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima defended Senators Francis Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino’s decision to join the Senate majority. She emphasized that despite joining the majority, they can still be trusted to take principled stands on critical issues.
De Lima, who also serves as the Liberal Party spokesperson, said that both senators have already explained their reasons for the move, and the party respects their decision. “What is more important for us is what their stances are going to be when it comes to the important issues…in terms of [good] governance, in terms of anti-corruption, I think we can rely on them to side on what is right,” she said.
Principled Voting and Advocacy for Transparency
De Lima pointed out that Senators Pangilinan and Aquino have actively participated in efforts that underscore their commitment to transparency and good governance. For instance, they co-authored Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 alongside Senate minority members Tito Sotto, Risa Hontiveros, Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Panfilo Lacson. This resolution aims to make the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the national budget accessible to the public, a move that challenges the usual secrecy surrounding these sessions.
On the House side, De Lima and Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendana, Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Albay Rep. Krisel Lagman filed a counterpart resolution. Both chambers of Congress need to approve such a joint resolution to implement this transparency measure.
Electoral Upset and Strategic Senate Roles
Both Pangilinan and Aquino surprised many by winning in the last midterm elections despite trailing in earlier surveys. Their success was largely credited to their consistent campaign messaging and careful avoidance of divisive political topics.
Pangilinan currently chairs the Liberal Party, while Aquino leads the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino. Their supporters largely expected them to join the Senate minority, alongside Senator Hontiveros, who has been a steadfast figure in opposition.
However, both senators chose to join the Senate majority to secure key committee positions. Pangilinan now leads the agriculture committee, and Aquino heads the basic education committee. These roles are seen as vital platforms to fulfill their campaign promises and effect meaningful change.
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