Pimentel steps down as Senate president, nominates Sotto

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Monday announced that he is stepping down as the Senate leader.

“It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve the Senate as its president, a position once held by my father. He served the Senate with dignity always staying true to his principles and consistently putting the interest of the nation before his and it was his example I had tried to emulate during my time at the helm of the Senate,” Pimentel said.

The Senate leader made the announcement days after 14 members of the 17-member majority bloc signed a resolution seeking reorganization in the chamber and the election of Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto.

He said Sotto is aware that he would become a Senate president someday.

“There is no timetable,” the outgoing Senate leader said.

Pimentel said the turnover of the post was initially planned to occur in October during the filing of candidacy for the 2019 polls or in February 2019 during the campaign season.

“If it occurs now, he still has time to pass a law. Now is a good time,” Pimentel said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Reports earlier mentioned that the Senate president asked that the change in leadership be postponed to October when he files his certificate of candidacy for re-election in the 2019 midterm polls.

Despite his stepping down, Pimentel wished Sotto well and said he would support the new leadership.

“I step down knowing that I tried my best to do this. I wish my successor, Senator Sotto, good health a Godspeed and pledge to help the new leadership pass pro-pepople legislation consistent with the legislative agenda of the president,” he said.

Pimentel added that he would continue the push for federalism, which he said needs help. He said it was not just PDP-Laban’s advocacy but a personal one.

The outgoing Senate leader said he would go around the country to explain to the people how the country would benefit from federalism.

Pimentel, who is also president of the ruling PDP-Laban, said he would also prepare the party for its participation in the 2019 midterm polls. However, he made no mention if he would run in the Senate in the next elections.