Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed strong confidence that Senate President Chiz Escudero will retain his post as the upper chamber’s leader when the 20th Congress convenes on July 28, coinciding with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In an interview with reporters, Cayetano said he believes Escudero can secure the required 13 votes to hold onto the Senate presidency.
“Kung today ang election, he has more than 13,” Cayetano remarked.
Cayetano added that he supports Escudero’s re-election, praising his performance despite criticisms surrounding the recent impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“I’m supporting Senate President Escudero. I think maganda ang takbo itong last year. Walang perfect kasi na majority, walang perfect na senador, Senate President. But pagka nakita mong may energy, may vision, may prinsipyo,” he explained.
Escudero is set to face a challenge from Senator-elect Tito Sotto, who previously served as Senate President from 2018 to 2022. Sotto, however, shared he is willing to serve as Senate Minority Leader if he does not reclaim the top post.
Sotto also dismissed talks of forming an “independent minority” bloc, a concept recently floated by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who hopes to align with Senators-elect Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
“I don’t foresee what I heard from another colleague saying mayroong (there are) independent blocs; there’s no such thing. You’re either with the majority or you’re not,” Sotto said during the Kapehan sa Maynila forum.
The Senate and House of Representatives are set to reconvene as the 20th Congress to formally begin a new legislative year.