Sotto open to minority leader role; Hontiveros may go independent

Metro Manila, Philippines - As more senators signal that Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is poised to retain his post, attention is shifting to another coveted leadership position.

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva have both said Escudero has secured the support of at least 13 senators - more than the majority needed - and each has expressed backing for Escudero.

While tradition holds that the losing contender in the Senate president race assumes the role of minority leader, senators pointed out that this is not always the case.

Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who was Senate president in the Duterte administration, has openly declared interest in the post.

In a chance interview following his oath taking on Monday, June 30, Sotto was asked whether he would be willing to serve as minority leader if his bid for the top post fails

“Oo, maganda rin yung role yun [Yes, that is also a good role],” Sotto said, noting that he had previously served as minority leader.

The minority leader serves as the spokesperson for the minority, defends their rights, and scrutinizes the policies and programs advanced by the majority.

Sotto said he can take on the role despite his ties to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., having been part of the administration’s Senate slate.

“I always espouse the independence of the Senate,” Sotto said.

“Hindi ka pwedeng sunud-sunuran sa Palasyo. Cooperative ka but critical if necessary,” he added.

[Translation: You can’t just blindly follow the Palace. You have to be cooperative but critical if necessary.]

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said that while she hopes to lead the minority bloc in the 20th Congress, she admits she may not have the numbers.

She noted that another group - which she did not name - is more likely to elect the next Minority Leader.

“Based on the numbers mas realistic maging bahagi ako ng isang independent bloc or basta maging isang independent senator,” she said.

[Translation: Based on the numbers, it’s more realistic for me to be part of an independent bloc or simply be an independent senator.]

She said she is in talks with her allies, Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, who both recently won Senate seats, but acknowledged they may ultimately make different choices.

What’s clear for now is that Hontiveros will not be joining the majority bloc.

“Gusto ko talagang magsalamin kami o magsalamin ako dito sa loob ng Senado doon sa mas malakas na oposisyon na gusto kong buuin namin, tulungan naming buuin sa labas ng Senado,” she said.

[Translation: I really want us—or me—to reflect inside the Senate the stronger opposition that we want to help build outside the Senate.]