Tito Sotto: No such thing as an independent bloc in the Senate
Senator-elect Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III— File photo
MANILA, Philippines — Senator-elect Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Wednesday that only the majority and minority blocs exist in the Senate, dismissing efforts to form so-called “independent blocs.”
He made the pronouncement after several senators announced plans to form specific blocs within the 20th Congress.
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According to Sotto, while senators are free to identify as part of a specific group, Senate rules clearly state that there are only two recognized blocs in the upper chamber: the majority and the minority.
“I don’t foresee what I heard from another colleague saying mayroong (there are) independent blocs; there’s no such thing. You’re either with the majority or you’re not,” Sotto said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
“If you vote to elect a Senate president, you are a majority; if not, minority. It’s that simple, there is no other interpretation,” he added.
The topic arose amid a polarized political landscape, as several senators expressed a desire to form their blocs to distinguish themselves from the political leanings of others.
Senator Risa Hontiveros recently revealed her intention to form an independent bloc, while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa expressed plans to establish a so-called Duterte bloc.
Dela Rosa is a known ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ: Hontiveros’ goal: Get Senate minority leadership or form independent bloc
When asked if these calls would shift the majority and minority dynamics, Sotto said it is still too early to say for sure at this stage./mcm
