MANILA — The brewing rivalry for the Senate presidency may not be the only point of contention between incumbent Senate President Chiz Escudero and incoming Senator and former Senate President Tito Sotto, as internal issues within their own political party begin to surface.
In an interview on Headstart with Karen Davila on ANC, Sotto confirmed that Escudero has filed a leave of absence from their party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
Both Sotto and Escudero are long-time members of the NPC, which was originally founded by the late business tycoon and known Marcos crony Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. for his unsuccessful 1992 presidential bid. Sotto currently serves as the party’s chairman.
“I leave it to our partymates, if they will declare a free zone or if they will declare support to him or I, we’ll leave it to them,” Sotto responded when asked whether Escudero’s decision could affect the unity of the party.
Sotto also admitted that he and Escudero have not spoken for some time.
“No, we have not talked. The last time we talked personally was when he took over as Senate President. He asked for a meeting with me and Senator Ping Lacson and sought some advice. That was it,” Sotto disclosed.
Apart from Escudero and Sotto, other names reportedly eyeing the Senate presidency include Duterte allies Senator Imee Marcos and incoming Senator Rodante Marcoleta, signaling a potential four-way battle for the chamber’s top post.
Despite the growing tension, Sotto clarified that President Bongbong Marcos should not intervene in the internal affairs of the Senate, particularly regarding its leadership race.
The developments add a layer of political drama as the 20th Congress approaches, with shifting alliances and party dynamics possibly reshaping the Senate’s leadership in the months to come.