Senate presidency up to senators: Sotto

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Friday that his fate as the chamber’s leader is up to the senators.
(PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA — Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Friday that his fate as the chamber’s leader is up to the senators.

“It’s the Senate who decides who their leader is. I only serve at the pleasure of senators.

If there will be a resolution, supporting my presidency, then I’ll be very thankful,” Sotto told reporters in a text message.

Sotto made the remark in response to the draft resolution on a vote of confidence in his leadership, which was prepared by Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Sotto said he would like to continue what the Senate has achieved in the past three years under his helm.

“The Senate has been independent, balanced, transparent. It is the only Senate that has reached a very high approval and trust rating,” Sotto said.

“I’ll be very happy, indebted to my colleagues if they continue to give me their trust and confidence,” he added.

According to reports, talks of a new Senate leader arose following a tug-of-war between incumbent and incoming senators over the committee chairmanships.