By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros disclosed that several senators from the majority bloc have expressed interest in joining the minority amid continuing speculation of another possible leadership change in the Senate.
Speaking during a press conference, Hontiveros said discussions are ongoing but stressed that the minority bloc remains officially composed of 11 senators for now.
“There are some who have intentions, but at present the solid number in the minority is still 11,” Hontiveros said.
The senator noted that while there are ongoing conversations behind the scenes, no new alignment has been finalized.
The development comes weeks after a dramatic Senate leadership shake-up that installed Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president following a coup within the chamber.
The new leadership has since faced criticism after Sen. Ronald dela Rosa was granted protective custody against an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, as well as the controversial shooting incident involving Senate security personnel and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation inside the Senate complex.
Amid the political turbulence, the opposition-led “Solid Bloc-11” has endorsed Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as its preferred candidate for Senate president.
The bloc is composed of Hontiveros, Gatchalian, Francis Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Lito Lapid, Panfilo Lacson, Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, former Senate President Tito Sotto, and Migz Zubiri.
Hontiveros described Gatchalian as a disciplined and hardworking legislator who values the Senate’s integrity and reputation.
“If Senator Sherwin becomes Senate president, he would be good for the Senate,” she said.
She cited Gatchalian’s work ethic and long experience in the Senate, noting that he remains actively engaged in legislative work even after plenary sessions adjourn.
Hontiveros also addressed speculation surrounding Sen. Francis Escudero, saying there have been no discussions yet regarding his possible alignment with the minority bloc.
According to her, while the minority remains open to accepting more senators, any new member must share the bloc’s principles and objectives.
IA/XF
