Senators weigh in on race for next leader

Senator-elect Vicente Sotto III, who is returning to the chamber in the 20th Congress, weighed in on the brewing race for the Senate presidency, saying the position should go to the one who can unite the most members.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

"Well, may the best senator win. What's important is whoever gets the most votes, it will be OK. All of us are capable," Sotto said in Filipino on dwIZ.

"For me, not only was I minority leader, majority leader, I was also Senate president for four-and-a-half years. Our colleagues already know this. What's important is, whoever can unite more than 13 senators, that's who will become Senate president," he added.

Sotto made the statement as the Senate presidency race became increasingly competitive, with current Senate President Francis Escudero seeking to retain the post and Sen. Imee Marcos also reportedly eyeing the position.

Reflecting on his long legislative career, the senator-elect emphasized that presidential interference in Senate leadership contests is rare.

On possible alliances among senators who are relatives of those vying for Senate leadership, Sotto noted: "That will be hard to predict on how voting will go. It's likely siblings will band together. I will suspect two or three of the siblings will support each other."