The 11-member Senate minority bloc is aggressively maneuvering to reshape the upper chamber’s leadership, confirming their rejection of any move to reinstate Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as Senate President.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan revealed that the minority remains unified, branding themselves as the “Solid 11” and declaring their unequivocal support for Senator Win Gatchalian to take the helm of the Senate.
”There were intermediaries, but not Sen. Chiz himself. But immediately nga di na pinalaki pa dahil solid yung 11 na di acceptable yung proposition na yun (But we didn’t let it grow because the 11 are solid that the proposition is not acceptable),” Pangilinan said in a television interview.
Pangilinan confirmed that back-channel negotiations are ongoing, aiming to form a new majority coalition in the coming months. He emphasized that the group is banking on shifting public sentiment to influence the current majority members.
”I’ve never seen groups calling for the resignation of the Senate president. I’ve never seen that. That may make the number of members of majority think twice. Senators are sensitive to public opinion,” he stressed.
Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed this sentiment, highlighting Gatchalian’s work ethic and integrity as the foundation for the minority’s endorsement.
”If Sen. Sherwin becomes Senate president, that would be good for the Senate… He’s a very serious legislator. He stays on the Senate floor even after plenary session is suspended. Whenever you hear him speak, he speaks to his staff about work,” Hontiveros noted.
Hontiveros added that while the minority’s numbers remain steady at 11, their primary objective is to restore the Senate’s reputation following recent controversies, including a leadership shake-up, a shooting incident, and the high-profile absence of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Meanwhile, the current administration in the Senate remains defiant. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who assumed the position on May 11 following a coup against former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, insists that his majority coalition remains intact.
”Buo ang 13, sa 13 walang onsehan (The 13 are complete, among the 13 there is no betrayal),” Cayetano told reporters.
Senator Imee Marcos echoed Cayetano’s statement, maintaining that the current majority bloc remains a “solid 13,” despite the ongoing political turbulence. As the Senate prepares for crucial tasks, including the upcoming national budget deliberations and a looming impeachment trial, the battle for the chamber’s leadership continues to intensify.