Tovic Salvador

Both Escudero, Sotto seeking Duterte bloc's support for Senate presidency — Go

Article (news)

Victoria Tulad

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17478220920712-Composite.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Senate President Francis Escudero and former Senate President Tito Sotto. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/Joseph Vidal, Senate PRIB </div>MANILA — Both Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Senator-elect Tito Sotto have asked the Duterte bloc for their support in the fight for the Senate presidency, according to Senator-elect Bong Go who is a member of the bloc.“From our group, yes,” Go said on Wednesday when asked if Escudero and Sotto have sought their help.“Marami pa pong ibang nakikipag-usap din po sa amin but we are open sa lahat po ng pag-uusap. Basta ang criteria namin, unahin &#x27;yung interes ng bayan, interes ng bawat Pilipino at independent Senate po ito,” he added.<div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/20/duterte-bloc-still-undecided-on-bet-for-senate-president-1618">&#x27;Duterte bloc&#x27; still undecided on bet for Senate president</a></div>There are five Senators who are members of the Duterte bloc, according to Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday—himself, Go, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, and Senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta.Go said they have not yet come up with a decision on whom to support, or if they will field one of their own.“Pinag-uusapan pa po yan sa ngayon,” Go replied. “Kahit sino po sa miyembro po ng Senado, sa 20th Congress, ay may karapatan na tumakbo bilang Senate President so it’s open po yan sa lahat but kami we will vote as a bloc, iisa po ang aming suportahan, nagkaisa po kami,&quot; he added.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/14/analyst-sees-recalibrations-of-alliances-in-senate-as-impeachment-trial-looms-0044">Analyst sees &#x27;recalibrations of alliances&#x27; in Senate as Sara Duterte&#x27;s impeachment trial looms</a></div>Go firmly said they are not looking for someone who will dismiss the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.“Hindi namin pinag-uusapan yan. Iba po ang Senado, hindi nag-uusap ng ganun,” he said.ABS-CBN News has sought Escudero and Sotto for comment but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

Both Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Senator-elect Tito Sotto have asked the Duterte bloc for their support in the fight for the Senate Presidency, according to Senator-elect Bong Go who is a member of the bloc.

Both Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Senator-elect Tito Sotto have asked the Duterte bloc for their support in the fight for the Senate Presidency, according to Senator-elect Bong Go who is a member of the bloc.