Senator Franklin Drilon. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Franklin Drilon was seen by at least one senator as the “most logical” replacement in case Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile abandons his post.
“In case he abandons his post by resigning irrevocably, the entire Senate will have to choose the next leader. The most logical choice is Sen Drilon unless he declines the nomination,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said in a text message Friday.
But Lacson said Enrile still has the vote of confidence of 11 senators, who voted against the Senate leader’s motion last Monday to declare his post vacant.
“[Senate President Enrile] clearly has the vote of confidence of at least 11 senators so that leaves 12 who could possible vote for a new Senate Presient, which is not enough since 13 is the number needed for the purpose,” he pointed out.
But Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, in separate statements, rallied behind Enrile, saying there was no need for him to resign from his post.
“The Senate President still has the trust and confidence of the majority of our members. He must not resign and fall prey to malicious accusations hurled by the few,” Sotto said.
“If they really think that laws were violated then they should be quick to file a case before the proper legal courts,” he said.
A trial by publicity, Sotto said, only showed that some officials were just after exposure.
Escudero said there was no need for Enrile to resign from his post since he still enjoyed the confidence of majority of his peers.
“I don’t think he should resign unless he no longer enjoys the confidence of a majority of senators. I believe he continues to enjoy such majority support,” he said.
The senator himself assured Enrile of his continued support and confidence on the present leadership.
“I do not believe in kicking a man when he is down. Senate President Enrile has explained his position and expressed openness for any audit in the interest of transparency,” Escudero said.
“He continues to enjoy my support and confidence,” he added.
Senator Ralph Recto, a member of the Liberal party, also noted that the Senate President continued to enjoy the support of the majority of the senators.