Ahead of the 20th Congress, a new five-person “Duterte bloc” has formed in the Senate, including reelected senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Robinhood Padilla, Bong Go, Imee Marcos, and senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta.
While the group has no issue with current Senate President Francis Escudero, talks of a possible leadership reshuffle have surfaced, with Vicente Sotto III emerging as a potential replacement.
Sotto, who led the Senate from 2018 to 2022, has expressed willingness to return if he can secure enough support.
Other experienced senators like Alan Peter Cayetano and Juan Miguel Zubiri are also considered possible leaders.
Leadership battles in the Senate gain added importance as the body prepares for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which requires a two-thirds majority vote.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 21, 2025
