Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said he is not interested in becoming Senate President amid reports of another possible leadership change inside the Senate just days after Alan Peter Cayetano assumed the chamber’s top post.
Pangilinan issued the statement following reports linking his name to alleged discussions about replacing Cayetano after some senators reportedly became uncomfortable with the new Senate leadership setup.
According to reports, some lawmakers were allegedly questioning Cayetano’s ability to unify the Senate heading into the politically charged impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Pangilinan was among the names reportedly being floated as a possible compromise candidate allegedly being considered by some sectors.
However, the senator quickly dismissed the speculation through a Facebook post on Saturday.
“Hindi po tayo interesado sa pagiging Senate President. Tutulong nalang ako sa kanila,” Pangilinan said.
“Para sa akin, mas importante ang Food Security kaysa sa Senate Presidency,” he added.
The statement came amid continuing tensions inside the Senate following the surprise leadership change that installed Cayetano as Senate President on May 11.
The leadership shift coincided with the House of Representatives’ impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and the ongoing controversy involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s ICC arrest warrant.
Political observers have been closely watching possible realignments inside the Senate ahead of the expected impeachment trial, where senators will sit as judges.
Despite the speculation, Pangilinan signaled that his priority remains legislation and advocacy related to agriculture and food security issues.
