ESCUDERO ‘UNBOTHERED’ OVER POSSIBLE CHANGE IN SENATE LEADERSHIP

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero was not bothered of ‘noises’  over possible change in Senate leadership following the remarks of Tito Sotto, who is poised for a Senate comeback.

In a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, Escudero said  he will remain as Senate President until the start of the next Congress unless the Senate majority votes to replace him.

He said it is the Senate majority who will decide whether he will stay or someone takes the seat of the Senate’s highest post.

According to him, based on Senate  rules, the current Senate president continues in office unless majority vote elects a replacement upon resumption of sessions in the Senate.

Escudero issued the clarification in response to speculation regarding a possible change in Senate leadership with the return of veteran senators, including former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, in the Upper Chamber in July.

“Katatapos lang ng eleksyon at bangayan at ingay sisimulan ninyo na naman agad. Palipasin ninyo naman, tapusin muna natin itong Kongresong ito. May dalawa pa kaming linggo na marami pa kaming inaasahang mapapasa at maihahabol na mga panukalang batas,” said Escudero.

Sotto earlier said he is  ready to accept the Senate presidency in the 20th Congress if enough of his colleagues support him.