Sotto takes oath as new Senate President

Former Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III took his oath as the new leader of the Senate, replacing Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel. (Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

Former Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III on Monday, May 21, took oath as the new leader of the Senate, replacing Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

Sotto is the second Senate President of the 17th Congress, making him the country’s 29th leader of the Upper Chamber.

“I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful to the Almighty God and to my fellow senators who reposed their trust and confidence in me and my capability to lead this august chamber at this critical and challenging time,” Sotto said.

Pimentel, who was elected as Senate president in 2016 at the start of the 17th Congress, left the leadership post early Monday as he formally nominated Sotto as his successor “without hesitation.”

“My nominee is an institution in the Senate,” Pimentel said, adding, “He has been there and done that in his long career in the Senate.”

Sotto’s “dedication to his work” was also praised by the former Senate president, who noted that Sotto is “always present, always on time, always prepared.”

Addressing his fellow senators and the entire Filipino people, Sotto said, “I am committed to do my very best, and with your help, I am confident that I have in my background the template of nine other Senate Presidents that I have served.”

Those former Senate leaders Sotto was referring to were Neptali Gonzales, Edgardo Angara, Ernesto Maceda, Marcelo Fernan, Blas Ople, Franklin Drilon, Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile, and the younger Pimentel.

“I hereby pledge to continue in helping in the passage of laws that will be beneficial to the country and to every Filipino and to continue as well the diligence and dedication of Sen. Koko Pimentel who has been the principal sponsor and author of many landmark laws,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Miguel Zubiri will replace Sotto as the Senate Majority Floor Leader. He is also the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules.

“I am willing to spend long days and nights pushing for [legislative] these measures, as I did during my first term as Majority Leader,” Zubiri said.

“My leadership style is one of not courting controversies and political fights. Those who know me, know that I am a consensus-builder, team player and an optimist,” he added.