DAVAO CITY (May 21) — Saying he has to be open for change, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III stepped down as Senate president on Monday, and nominated Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to take the helm at the upper chamber.
“This is an example of a peaceful and willing transfer of power in the senate, Senate’s reorganization will be implemented with minimum disruption.” Pimentel said in the midday press conference.
Pimentel said there was no agreement about term sharing for the senate presidency but he was laughing when said revealed “Walang Usapan, pero may tuksuhan.”
Pimentel said he was informed about the change in senate leadership, even when he was abroad.
From the very start, Pimentel said, Sotto has been very vocal about his openness to take the senate presidency.
Pimentel, who served as Senate president for two years, said he does not harbor ill-feelings toward his colleagues in the majority bloc, saying changes can happen anytime.
The Senate also elected Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as Chair for the Committee rules.
During the press conference, Pimentel then cited the passage of legislations that materialized President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign promise and agenda – such as the free tuition fee and free irrigation laws among others – as his achievements while leading the Senate.
“It has been an honor and privilege for me to serve the Senate as its president, a position once held by my father,” he said.
Pimentel even signed a resolution electing Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as his successor.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
