Koko has no qualms about relinquishing his post to Sotto
Published May 20, 2018 02:47 pm
By Hannah Torregoza
Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III today reiterated he has no qualms about relinquishing his post to Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III saying he has no issue at all regarding the upcoming leadership changes in the Senate.
Senate President Aquilino Koko Pimentel III (Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin File Photo)
Pimentel, an ally of President Duterte and president of the ruling Partido Demokratikong Pilipino –Laban (PDP-Laban) party, made the assurance a day before the Senate is set to hold a caucus to discuss the possible leadership transition this week.
“No issue at all with me. Change will happen with my happy blessings. Change is coming soon,” Pimentel said in a text message.
Asked if he has any hard feelings, Pimentel said: “Syempre wala. Ganyan talaga ang buhay, dapat open to changes all the time.”
The Senate majority bloc is set to hold a caucus tomorrow to discuss the reported reorganization of the upper chamber’s leadership. A draft resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to reorganize its leadership and elect Sotto as the new Senate president has been signed by 15 senators over the weekend.
Senators Panfilo Lacson, Grace Poe, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito were among the senators who confirmed they personally signed the document.
But as to exactly when the transition will occur, will be discussed during the caucus, Ejercito said.
“But you know, at one point in time, he will have to step down, especially if we file our certificate of candidacy (COC). So eventually, Sen. Koko will have to relinquish his presidency. But the question is when,” Ejercito said in an interview over Radio DZBB.
“The only question is when. I hope they (Sotto and Pimentel) talk about it themselves,” the senator said.
Senate sources have claimed Pimentel, who is running for reelection in the May 2019 midterm polls, had requested to stay on as Senate leader until October 18, but Sotto’s camp reportedly refused.
But Ejercito said most senators favor a change in Senate leadership as early as possible to enable a smooth transition of power and to ensure continuity of the Senate’s agenda.
“That will protect the Senate from criticisms, and Sen. Koko himself, so he won’t be criticized of using the Senate to advance his political interest,” he said.
Asked if there would also be any changes in the committee chairmanships in the Senate, Ejercito said the matter would also be discussed during the caucus.
“The matter is up to the new Senate President, that would depend on his discretion,” he said.
Asked if he is willing to take on as chairman of a Senate committee, Pimentel replied in the affirmative.
“I am a very flexible person. Whatever the majority gives me, or the new Senate President assigns to me, I will gladly accept. I have missed committee work the past year and nine months,” Pimentel said.
Senate President Aquilino Koko Pimentel III (Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin File Photo)
Pimentel, an ally of President Duterte and president of the ruling Partido Demokratikong Pilipino –Laban (PDP-Laban) party, made the assurance a day before the Senate is set to hold a caucus to discuss the possible leadership transition this week.
“No issue at all with me. Change will happen with my happy blessings. Change is coming soon,” Pimentel said in a text message.
Asked if he has any hard feelings, Pimentel said: “Syempre wala. Ganyan talaga ang buhay, dapat open to changes all the time.”
The Senate majority bloc is set to hold a caucus tomorrow to discuss the reported reorganization of the upper chamber’s leadership. A draft resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to reorganize its leadership and elect Sotto as the new Senate president has been signed by 15 senators over the weekend.
Senators Panfilo Lacson, Grace Poe, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito were among the senators who confirmed they personally signed the document.
But as to exactly when the transition will occur, will be discussed during the caucus, Ejercito said.
“But you know, at one point in time, he will have to step down, especially if we file our certificate of candidacy (COC). So eventually, Sen. Koko will have to relinquish his presidency. But the question is when,” Ejercito said in an interview over Radio DZBB.
“The only question is when. I hope they (Sotto and Pimentel) talk about it themselves,” the senator said.
Senate sources have claimed Pimentel, who is running for reelection in the May 2019 midterm polls, had requested to stay on as Senate leader until October 18, but Sotto’s camp reportedly refused.
But Ejercito said most senators favor a change in Senate leadership as early as possible to enable a smooth transition of power and to ensure continuity of the Senate’s agenda.
“That will protect the Senate from criticisms, and Sen. Koko himself, so he won’t be criticized of using the Senate to advance his political interest,” he said.
Asked if there would also be any changes in the committee chairmanships in the Senate, Ejercito said the matter would also be discussed during the caucus.
“The matter is up to the new Senate President, that would depend on his discretion,” he said.
Asked if he is willing to take on as chairman of a Senate committee, Pimentel replied in the affirmative.
“I am a very flexible person. Whatever the majority gives me, or the new Senate President assigns to me, I will gladly accept. I have missed committee work the past year and nine months,” Pimentel said.