Options for Drilon: Senate presidency, 2 other leadership posts

Senate President Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Taking the pro-tempore or minority leader posts would be an option if a candidate for the highest position in the Senate gets a majority vote needed to replace him, Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Tuesday.

But Drilon said any senator who wants to take over his post must get 13 votes first.

“When, and only when, the SP (Senate President) candidate has 13 votes, then the pro-(tempore) post becomes one of the options,” the Senate leader said in a text message.

“Being the minority leader is another option. Without anyone with 13 votes, I remain SP,” he added.

Drilon was reacting to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who gave a peek on Twitter on the possible new composition of the Senate when the 17th Congress opens on July 25.

“16th Congress adjourned, getting ready for 17th: SP (Senate President) Pimentel, Pro Temp Drilon, Majority Leader Sotto plus a super majority of at least 20(?),” Lacson wrote.

READ: Lacson gives peek of likely Senate makeup with Pimentel as head

Pimentel is Senator Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III, who has expressed his desire to run for Senate president, while Sotto is Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is also being considered for the post.

Drilon, vice chairman of Liberal Party, said he had no knowledge of Lacson’s statement.

The incumbent Senate leader earlier floated the idea of LP senators and their allies forging an alliance with other colleagues.

READ: LP eyes coalition to ensure Drilon will keep senate presidency

“The Liberal Party has six in the Senate in the 17th Congress, plus our ally group, which is represented by Senator Risa Hontiveros, so we have a group of seven,” Drilon said.

The seven are Senators-elect Drilon, Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Leila de Lima, Ralph Recto and Joel Villanueva plus incumbent Senator Bam Aquino. IDL/rga