Lacson apologizes to Pimentel after Senate leadership change remark

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO

Senator Panfilo Lacson apologized to Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday shortly after his statement that an impending change in Senate leadership may happen within the year.

“An apology is in order and is therefore offered to SP Pimentel,” Lacson wrote on Twitter.

“It was my understanding that a leadership change in the Senate between him and Senator Sotto does exist,” he said, referring to Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

Lacson said he issued the apology after learning that Pimentel denied there was such an agreement between him and Sotto.

“Since SP Pimentel has denied that such agreement exists between him and Sen Sotto, I submit that he knows better,” he said in a text message.

“My understanding of the prospective change in the senate leadership remains clear though. If it will happen in June or July or October this year is something that is yet to be determined and decided upon by the two and the rest of the majority bloc,” Lacson added.

At a forum in the Senate early in the day, Lacson disclosed that he was “privy” to an earlier “agreement” or “understanding” that Sotto would take the place of Pimentel III within the year. He said the leadership change may happen either in July or in October this year, at the latest.

READ: Sotto to take Koko’s place as Senate president this year, says Lacson
Pimentel, however, denied there was such an agreement.

“No agreement. But will talk to Sen. Sotto immediately upon arrival. Then (we will) hold a majority caucus,” the Senate leader said in a Viber message to reporters when sought for comment. /je