Pimentel to follow change in Senate leadership

MANILA, Philippines — If he had his way, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III would prefer to remain in his post, but he will submit to the will of his colleagues in the majority bloc if they want him replaced.

Pimentel and 18 members of the majority bloc are expected to hold a caucus next week to discuss the possible leadership change in the chamber.

“If you’ll ask me, if possible, no more (leadership change) but we should not be too attached to the position. If there’s a change in the sentiment, we follow,” he told reporters. 

Talks of Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III replacing Pimentel have been circulating in the chamber in the past few months. The change in leadership was apparently because of a term-sharing agreement between Pimentel and Sotto in 2016. 

The caucus was supposed to be held today but was called off in deference to the passing of former Senate president Edgardo Angara. 

Pimentel said the change in leadership is always a “possibility so we should be always ready.”

Pimentel, who is going to run for reelection in the 2019 polls, said he would be very busy not only campaigning but also running the affairs of the ruling PDP-Laban, of which he is president. 

He wished that the next Senate president would remain so at noon of June 30, 2019 when the 18th Congress starts so there will be no leadership vacuum in the chamber.

He explained that even if he is reelected, it does not mean he remains as Senate president when members of the new Congress assume office on that date.