Manila: Senator Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III has once again assumed the role of Senate President, succeeding Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero. Sotto’s leadership focuses on maintaining cooperation with the current administration while ensuring the Senate remains an independent entity dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto, in his acceptance speech, addressed the widespread anger among Filipinos regarding corruption. He pledged to lead the Senate with fairness and openness. Sotto highlighted several issues plaguing the nation, including failed flood control projects, poor classroom conditions, and inadequate farm-to-market roads, all mired in corruption and obstructing national progress.
Sotto asserted that corruption is perceived to permeate the entire government. However, he expressed confidence that with political will and public vigilance, transparency and accountability could be achieved. He also reflected on the Senate’s opposition to unconstitutional budget adjustments during his previous term as Senate President and emphasized his role as ‘primus inter pares,’ or first among equals, rather than as a superior.
Senator Escudero expressed gratitude towards his colleagues and Senate staff during his tenure and respected the decision of the majority. He congratulated Sotto on his election and pledged his continued service as an ordinary Senate member. Escudero acknowledged the Senate’s efforts to tackle difficult issues and uncover corruption, urging the continuation of transparency and accountability.
Following Sotto’s election, the Senate appointed Senator Panfilo Lacson as Senate President Pro-Tempore and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as the Majority Leader. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez extended congratulations to Sotto, acknowledging his extensive service and leadership. Romualdez expressed the House’s eagerness to collaborate with Sotto and the Senate, emphasizing confidence in Congress’s role as a partner to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in implementing reforms and building a Bagong Pilipinas.
