Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III clarified on Sunday that he was the mastermind behind the push for Senator Win Gatchalian to take over the Senate leadership, amid persistent rumors of a looming shake-up ahead of Monday’s session.
Sotto corrected narratives surrounding his perceived neutrality on the issue, asserting that he initiated the discussions regarding Gatchalian’s potential bid.
“I was asked why I have been silent re Senate leadership… wrong! I was the one who brought out the idea of making Sherwin as SP!” Sotto told reporters in a Viber message.
The minority leader’s statement follows Gatchalian’s recent public declaration of readiness to assume the chamber’s top post if called upon. The 11-member minority bloc has already solidified its backing for Gatchalian.
Expressing confidence in Gatchalian’s leadership, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan described his colleague as “competent, steady, and fair.”
Pangilinan noted that a Gatchalian presidency could foster a more balanced and accountable Senate, while also hinting at potential crossover support from members of the majority bloc.
However, when pressed on whether Gatchalian has secured the necessary numbers to claim the Senate presidency once session resumes, Sotto remained noncommittal.
“Depends,” Sotto replied.
The upper chamber has been mired in leadership friction since May 11, when Sotto was ousted from the Senate presidency.
He was replaced by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who secured the post through a narrow 13-vote majority in the 24-member chamber.