By Filane Mikee Cervantes/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson said Friday he has drafted a resolution expressing support for the leadership of Senate President Vicente Sotto III amid talks of a possible leadership change in the upper chamber for the 18th Congress.
“Nag-draft ako ng resolution. Para magkaalaman sa kasamahan namin sino ang alanganin. May draft akong resolution ginawa kong undated para ang mga baguhan na papasok kung pwede pumirma na rin sila (I drafted a resolution. This would determine those who are uncertain [about Sotto’s leadership]. The draft resolution is undated so that incoming senators could also sign it),” Lacson said in a radio interview.
Lacson, in a separate statement, further explained that the resolution to be routed among senators was originally proposed by Senator Manny Pacquiao and would be a vote of confidence in Sotto’s leadership.
According to reports, talks of a new Senate leader arose following a tug-of-war between incumbent and incoming senators over the committee chairmanships for the new Congress.
“The resolution to be routed is about a vote of confidence in the leadership of SP Sotto amid insinuations made by senators-elect (Imee) Marcos and (Francis) Tolentino for a leadership change for whatever motives they have — whether it’s posturing to get their desired committee chairmanships or serious attempts to elect a new Senate leader,” Lacson said.
“It is quite simple though. All the two incoming members of the Senate have to do is convince 11 more senators of the incoming 18th Congress to side with them and their wish is automatically gathered,” he added.
Lacson also noted that the resolution would be based on the expression of support to the leadership of Sotto, either through media or among themselves.
“A sufficient number to compose the majority is there, unless what we are hearing is lip service,” Sotto said.
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