Sotto eyes Senate presidency, secures eighth place in elections

Senator Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III secured eighth place in unofficial tallies of the 2025 midterm elections and expressed readiness to become Senate president if he garners sufficient support from his colleagues.

Sotto stated on Friday that three to four senators have approached him about supporting his bid for the position, indicating a growing interest among his peers.

Senate President Francis Escudero acknowledged that his position could change as new senators take office in the upcoming 20th Congress and emphasized that every senator must have the confidence of more than 14 colleagues to secure the presidency.

Sotto is among six candidates from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s slate expected to win Senate seats and will again be the most senior senator under the new congress, positioning him as a strong contender for the role.

The power dynamics within the Senate are anticipated to shift significantly in the upcoming 20th Congress, particularly with the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.