MANILA, Philippines — From being the “precursors of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and even self-injury,” Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III wants Senate hearings to be conducted in aid of legislation.
Sotto aired his wishes as he was elected again as Senate President on Monday, the first session day of the 18th Congress.
“Dear colleagues, we are legislators. The Latin roots of the word convey the meaning of a proposer of laws. That is our main task—to craft bills, debate. and refine them, get them approved by the other house, and seek the signature of the President to turn them into laws of the land,” he said in his acceptance speech.
“Thus, we are primarily, legislators. We are not prosecutors. We are not judges,” he pointed out. “Our hearings had been known to be precursors of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and even self-injury. It should not be the case.”
He said the Constitution expressly provides that the rights of resource persons must be respected.
“And also because, being taxpayers, our invitees are our employers,” Sotto said.
“I do not mean to soften our powers. I only mean that our inquiries should really be in aid of legislation although I also believe that those who lie in our face must stay in our premises if they continue to do so.”
“What I’m only saying is that we are legislators, primarily,” he stressed.
As Senate President, Sotto also clarified that he was just a “presider” in the sessions, and not “superior” with his colleagues.
“Any concept other than this is misplaced, and unwarranted,” he said.
“Additionally, I am your listener, your adviser if you desire, your enabler for anything within my power to do so.”
Sotto vowed that the Senate, under his leadership, would continue to remain cooperative but independent, balanced, transparent and sincere.”
Through viva voce voting, Sotto was reelected during the session attended by 22 of 24 senators.
Only three senators—Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros,—abstained from voting.
All three belong to the minority group. /muf