Lacson says Sotto ‘safe’ from ouster in 18th Congress

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente Sotto III will be safe from ouster in the 18th Congress, Senator Panfilo “confidently” said Tuesday.

Lacson noted that it would take 13 senators to unseat Sotto in the new Congress.

“Since he (Sotto) is the sitting SP (Senate President), hindi siya end of term, 2022 pa ang end of term niya, he will continue as SP unless 13 of our colleagues both incumbent and new will oust him,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.

When asked if he thinks Sotto is safe from ouster in the new Congress, Lacson said, “I can say that with confidence.”

Lacson said Sotto currently has an advantage as 14 of senators in the 17th Congress, including two members of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), signed a resolution supporting his continued leadership.

The 14 senators who signed the resolution are Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Manny Pacquiao, Panfilo Lacson, Joel Villanueva, Sonny Angara, Sherwin Gatchalian, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Richard Gordon outgoing Senators Gringo Honasan, Francis “Chiz” Escudero” and Loren Legarda.

While three of those who signed the resolution are outgoing senators, Lacson said this will be offset by the three incoming members of the PDP-Laban.

“Ang symbolism doon, dalawa PDP, may kasama silang tatlo. So magka-cancel out din ‘yun. Minus 3, plus 3. Unlikely naman nag-commit na ‘yung presidente and campaign manager ng PDP, ang 3 kasama nila hindi makikisama sa kanila,” the senator said.

Lacson, however, admitted that he was a bit “surprised” when a member of the majority bloc refused to sign the resolution. It was Senator Cynthia Villar.

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However, as for the resolution, Lacson said this is not binding until the 18th Congress opens on July 22.

“On July 22, when the 18th Congress opens, doon magbobotohan. So yan ang nagma-matter na resolution whether in writing or sa floor. Pero ngayon if there’s any indication kung ano ang future ng Senado under the 18th Congress, medyo malinaw,” he said. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)