Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Sunday expressed his unwavering support for Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, even as reports swirl that some senators may soon bolt from the majority bloc.
“If you ask me, I continue to support him,” Lacson said in a radio interview. “But in the Senate, that’s how it works — if at least 13 senators withdraw their support, the leader can be replaced. That has always been the rule.”
A Vote of Confidence
Lacson, who has worked with Sotto for years, praised his leadership style in the chamber.
“He manages things well. He leads through consensus. He doesn’t dictate, and he never decides on his own,” he added.
For Lacson, this consistency and fairness are what make Sotto a strong Senate President, even in the face of political challenges.
Tension Over Flood Project Anomalies
When asked if Sotto’s position remains stable amid controversies surrounding alleged irregularities in flood control projects, Lacson refused to speculate.
“I don’t know — that’s up to my colleagues to decide,” he said.
His remarks came after Senator JV Ejercito expressed frustration that the Senate seemed to be losing focus on those truly responsible for the flood control mess. Ejercito even admitted he was considering leaving the majority bloc.
What Lies Ahead
For now, Lacson’s firm support offers a measure of stability. But in the Senate — where numbers matter most — leadership can change in an instant. All it takes is 13 votes.
