MANILA — Senator JV Ejercito disclosed on Monday that he declined an offer from newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano to serve as Senate Majority Leader.
The senator made the statement as the chamber underwent another leadership reshuffle before senators formally convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Ejercito thanked Cayetano for the confidence extended to him but said he preferred not to take on the powerful post at this time.
“I appreciate the trust given to me. The Majority Leader position is among the most powerful in the Senate, but I would rather remain independent for now,” he said during the session.
Despite identifying himself as independent during the proceedings, Ejercito later confirmed to reporters that he would join the Senate minority bloc.
Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency on May 11 after gaining 13 votes from senators, including Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa’s appearance drew attention as it marked his return to the Senate after months away from the public eye due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in relation to allegations surrounding the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
IA/XF
