Senate Presidency Race Still Uncertain
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate presidency race is far from settled, according to sources close to the group backing Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. With less than three weeks before the 20th Congress opens on July 28, the competition for the Senate presidency remains fluid and unpredictable.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri hinted that the coalition formed by himself, Sotto, and fellow senators Panfilo Lacson and Loren Legarda might attract support from other Senate blocs. “Anything can still happen,” Zubiri said during a recent press briefing, emphasizing that despite the current momentum, nothing is guaranteed.
Signatures and Support Still in Flux
Though Zubiri acknowledged that over a dozen senators have signed a resolution supporting the incumbent Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the group he represents is not conceding defeat. “We are not surrendering at this point in time,” he stressed, signaling ongoing efforts to rally backing.
However, Zubiri admitted the chances of Sotto clinching the Senate presidency appear slim at the moment. He identified two main reasons behind the lukewarm support: some senators view Lacson as too strict, while others have already secured influential committee positions, reducing their motivation to switch allegiances.
Challenges and Vision for the Senate
“It’s more of accommodation,” Zubiri explained. “Many were given the best committees that the Senate can offer.” In contrast, Zubiri’s group promotes restoring the Senate’s image by enhancing transparency, especially in budget deliberations.
“We aim to assign committees based on merit and qualifications,” he added, suggesting that this principle might not resonate with all senators in the incoming 20th Congress.
Open to New Leadership
Despite the current dynamics, Zubiri’s coalition remains open to endorsing a “dark horse” candidate who pledges to uphold the Senate’s integrity and transparency. “If there’s a dark horse that emerges who is not necessarily us four, we’re willing to support—as long as he or she promises transparency and integrity in the Senate,” Zubiri said.
This openness signals a potential shift in the leadership landscape, with the group prioritizing principles over personal ambitions.
For more news and updates on Senate presidency race, visit Filipinokami.com.