MANILA – Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said an ‘agreement’ has earlier been reached between Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III for an eventual leadership change.
“Ngayon di pa napag-uusapan. I understand there’s already an understanding between Sen. Sotto and Sen. Pimentel. Pero kung kailan ie-execute o implement, we do not know (It has to be discussed now. I understand there’s already an understanding between Sen. Sotto and Sen. Pimentel. But when would it be implemented or executed, we do not know) ,” Lacson said during the regular Kapihan sa Senado forum.
Lacson said that the majority is bound to respect the agreement.
“Kung may (If there’s a) standing agreement we will all respect the agreement and vote on what has been agreed upon,” Lacson said.
On whether all positions in Senate will be declared vacant upon change of leadership, Lacson said it will all depend on what would be agreed upon in a caucus.
“Pagka pinalitan mo Senate leadership, hindi declared all positions vacant. Magre-remain yan unless may pag-usapan sa caucus ng majority kung paano pagpapalit ng chairmanship ng committees (If you replace the Senate leadership, it is not declared that all positions are vacant. The chairmanships remain unless there’s discussion in the caucus of the majority for replacement of the heads of committees),” he said.
“Senate leadership or any leadership is only as good as the people supporting that leadership. Of course siya ang baton (he is the baton), siya ang conductor (he is the conductor). Walang masyadong magche-change (There wouldn’t be a lot of change),” Lacson said.
When asked for a reaction, Pimentel said that there was no prior agreement between him and Sotto, adding though that he would discuss the matter with the latter.
“No agreement,” he said in a message to reporters.
“But will talk to Sen. Sotto immediately upon arrival. Then (we will) hold a majority caucus,” Pimentel said.
Earlier, Sotto said he is open to replace Pimentel if the majority would agree on it and offers the position to him.
“Sino naman ako para tumanggi? (Who am I to refuse?),” Sotto said. (Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)
