PASAY CITY, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Thursday expressed support for Senator Mark Villar’s decision to align with the Senate majority, citing the need for additional manpower to manage the chamber’s heavy workload.
“We’re glad because we’re all loaded with work,” Sotto told reporters.
“Because of the three-in-one, para kaming kape. (We have to attend to) impeachment, the legislation and then the budget,” he added.
Sotto noted that Villar’s entry will assist in spreading out task assignments across the majority, particularly given the extensive committee responsibilities held by lawmakers.
“Ang dami naming committees. Bagay siya roon,” Sotto said, apparently referring to Villar’s designation as the new chair of the Senate public works committee.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri confirmed Villar’s transfer to the majority coalition, which is currently headed by Senate President Win Gatchalian.
Following the move, Villar was also named to the Commission on Appointments, taking over the seat previously held by Zubiri as part of the majority contingent.
The transition increases the majority bloc to 14 members, while the minority group led by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is reduced to 10.
Sotto shared that Zubiri personally initiated discussions with Villar regarding his transfer to the majority.
Prior to joining the majority, Villar was the sole minority senator who took part in the September 23 vote determining the two-thirds threshold required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, an exercise the rest of the minority bloc boycotted.