Pimentel: No term sharing with Sotto

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III FILE PHOTO

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Sunday denied agreeing to share the chamber’s leadership with Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, while saying that he was open to stepping down, if needed.

“Categorically, sinasabi kong wala kaming term sharing. Pero categorically sinasabi ko rin na anytime willing ako to let go,” Pimentel said in a radio dzBB interview.

His statement came after he confirmed plans to again run for the Senate in 2019. 

READ: Pimentel bares own Senate lineup; vows to fight for allies

Pimentel also denied that he felt threatened by the possibility of being replaced as Senate president following complaints by Sen. JV Ejercito that the upper chamber’s majority bloc was “left out” of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’ possible senatorial lineup. 

“Hindi (ako threatened) kasi alam ko naman anytime dapat handa rin ako. I should be able to let go anytime. Ako ay magiging kandidato, pati yun ire-review ko kung ok lang ba na kandidato ako tapos SP din. Pag-uusapan namin yan,” he said, noting that he would first consult with Sotto, whom he described as Senate’s “most senior” and “most experienced” member. 

If ever Senate members would want a new leader, Pimentel said he was ready to let go and would remain part of the majority bloc and support the new Senate president. /cbb