Sotto taps Samonte as new Senate sergeant-at-arms

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has named retired Philippine Air Force General Rene Samonte as the upper chamber’s  next Sergeant- at-Arms.

Former Sergeant -At- Arms Jose Balajadia Jr. passed away early Sunday morning.

Sotto said Balajadia had resigned as of June 30.

Sotto said he would ask the Senate to elect Samonte when the 18th Congress opens on July 22.

“I’ll be asking the Senate to elect my appointee Gen Rene Samonte,” Sotto said in a Viber message to reporters.

He said Samonte was Air Force commander before he retired a few years ago. /gsg