Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito admitted that he nearly withdrew from the 15-member majority bloc led by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, citing frustrations over the chamber’s lack of clear direction in holding accountable those behind anomalous flood control projects.
In an interview with DZRH, Ejercito said he was close to leaving the bloc after recent controversies left the Senate’s focus blurred.
“Ang lumabas talaga, kung babasahin ang headlines ano eh, parang, syempre hindi naman lahat ng tao naiintindihan ‘yung budget process,” Ejercito remarked.
He explained further: “Pag sinabi mo kasing budget insertions ngayon, ang akala ng tao binulsa mo na, sa’yo na ‘yun, hindi po.”
Ejercito was referring to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s earlier statement that nearly all senators in the 19th Congress had budget insertions — himself included.
“Sa akin po, sa totoo lang po, to be honest, muntik na rin po akong nag-isip na umalis sa majority (bloc) kasi kung parang ganito ang direksyon, sinusunog na natin ang sariling bahay natin at ang ating colleagues, napapabayaan natin, nakakalimutan natin ang mga tunay na salarin,” he said.
While he ultimately decided to remain with the majority, Ejercito expressed hope that the incident would not be repeated and that the Senate would move toward a clearer direction moving forward.