Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III clarified Wednesday that there is no formal term-sharing deal for the Senate leadership, but revealed that the majority bloc intends to elect Senator Loren Legarda as Senate President before the close of the 20th Congress in 2028.
“Hindi naman but we plan to make her SP before 20th Congress ends,” Sotto said in a text message to reporters.
The Senate adjourned its February 4 plenary session with Legarda presiding, while Majority Leader Migz Zubiri addressed her as “Madame President.” The unusual scene followed a lengthy break amid persistent coup rumors.
Upon resumption, Zubiri took the floor as Legarda occupied the podium typically reserved for Sotto or Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
During the recess, Senator Kiko Pangilinan shared a photo of himself with Legarda, Zubiri, Sotto, Lacson, and Senators JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, Bam Aquino, and Risa Hontiveros, apparently gathered for a meal in a conference room.
The move underscores the majority’s plan to eventually transition leadership, with Legarda seen as the preferred successor.