Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Philippine National Police (PNP) subpoenaed University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council (UPD USC) Chairperson Joaquin Buenaflor over the violence during the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests.

Three police officers served the subpoena to Buenaflor’s family on Wednesday morning, according to the student council.

Asked to confirm the matter in a press briefing in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday, PNP public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño answered that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) issued the subpoena.

‘Their subpoena is still related to the Sept. 21 rallies,’ Tuaño said.

He again cited Republic Act No. 10973, which gave the CIDG the authority to issue subpoenas and, if the subject refuses to comply, file a case for indirect contempt before a regional trial court.

Tuaño did not identify Buenaflor by name, only saying the subject was ‘a UP student.’

He also did not detail when Buenaflor was scheduled to appear before the CIDG.

‘Serve and protect’

In a press conference in UP Diliman later on Thursday, Buenaflor said, ‘We condemn and register our calls that we are not afraid of these attacks against the youth who are rightfully fighting corruption.’

He then challenged the PNP: ‘Prove your mantra to serve and protect the Filipino people, not to serve and protect the corrupt. The youth is also among those whom you’ve sworn to protect. Why are you forgetting your mission?’

The violence erupted at the foot of Ayala Bridge and the Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila which led to Malacañang Palace during the Baha Sa Luneta rally in Rizal Park last Sept. 21.

Police arrested over 200 rioters including more than 80 minors amid the chaos, prompting human rights groups to condemn law enforcement for supposedly not exercising maximum tolerance.

The Baha Sa Luneta rally, the subsequent program at Mendiola before the riot, and the Trillion Peso March were all part of a series of protests condemning government corruption amid investigations into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

‘Fourth youth leader subpoenaed’

Buenaflor claimed he was the fourth youth leader to be subpoenaed over the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rallies, following De La Salle University – College of Saint Benilde student Aldrin Kitsune; Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Central Student Council chairperson Tiffany Brillante; and PUP The Catalyst associate editor Jacob Baluyot.

In prior interviews with INQUIRER.net, both Kitsune and Baluyot criticized the subpoenas, stressing that they were not involved in the violence that ensued during the protests.

Kitsune and Baluyot were supposedly scheduled to appear before the CIDG last Oct. 6 and 10 but both refused to show up.

Baluyot, in particular, responded to the police in a letter, invoking his constitutional right to remain silent and questioning the CIDG’s authority to issue subpoenas.

If one listens closely to Gloc-9’s most potent sociopolitical songs, from ‘Upuan’ (2009) to ‘Paliwanag’ (2022), the hopefulness in his voice seems to have waned as the years went by. He certainly hears the change himself ‘sad to say.’

While ‘Upuan’ is fiery in its confrontation of the corrupt and its demand for accountability, ‘Paliwanag’ feels more introspective. It tackles blind obedience while urging self-reflection and perseverance amid adversity and a broken system.

‘I always try to be very positive. But one thing I have learned is that you can’t really change people, or make them say yes when they have already made up their minds to say no,’ he shares in a recent group interview, including Lifestyle Inquirer.

That doesn’t mean, however, that he’s giving up on the Philippines far from it. He stresses that he loves our country, and that there’s no happier place here on Earth. ‘But if you’re being realistic, with the way things are going, I’m scared for my kids,’ says the trailblazing hip-hop artist whose real name is Aristotle Pollisco.

He turns emotional as he recalls the lyrics to ‘Paliwang,’ parts of which go: ‘Sabihin mo, darating ba / Ang araw na ‘di ka takot iwanan ang mga mahal mo / Sa bahay na hindi sila mababasa / Tuwing malakas ang bagyo’

Lines that still ring true

While originally written during the pandemic, in hopes of sparking motivation in times of uncertainty, the track’s message continues to ring true in light of the recent corruption scandal involving ghost infrastructure projects. Can anyone have the heart to leave family behind for greener pastures, knowing that systemic corruption has made everyone back home vulnerable?

That even an established music artist, widely regarded as an OPM icon, harbors such worries is telling. ‘Maliit pa kasi ang mga anak ko,’ points out Gloc-9, who has 20-year-old twins, Sean Daniel and Danielle Shaun, and an eight-year-old daughter, Savannah, with his wife, Thea.

‘You can protect your children only to a certain extent,’ he says. ‘Kung kasing yaman ko lahat ng mga kasama sa mga pinag-uusapan ngayon baka iba ang tono ko ngayon. Pwede kong i-provide sa kanila ‘yung security na hindi ko na iisipin na paano kung mahirapan silang makahanap ng trabaho. O paano kung dumating ang time na maging magulo sa Pilipinas tapos wala ako dito.’

Looking back, a different scenario could have easily played out. As a nursing graduate, Gloc-9 could have very well flown abroad to care for others, and, in his words ‘maghugas ng pwet ng mga puti.’ Still, he chooses to stay in the country and advocate for a future where Filipinos are given what they rightfully deserve.

‘I hope maging mas okay ang Pilipinas at makuha ng mga Pilipino ang nararapat na sa kanila,’ he says.

Where dreams are planted

A debt of gratitude and a resolve to pay it forward also plays a crucial role. ‘Dito ko naman binuo ang mga pangarap ko. Dito rin ako nagtanim. So sana ang mga bunga na aanihin ko ay maitanim ko rin ulit dito,’ he says.

After 28 years in the entertainment industry, Gloc-9’s desire to plant and cross-pollinate the seeds of OPM has only grown stronger. Collaboration is a fundamental essence of hip-hop something the rapper has fully embraced through his career, working with talents young and old, regardless of genre.

‘Project A’ (Universal Records Philippines), his full-length collaborative album with the underground rap pillar Abaddon, is yet another fruit of the seeds he has planted. The concept for the 10-track record which include ‘Bonethugs,’ ‘Halimaw,’ and ‘Kakampi’ started out casually in a group chat until one day, Gloc-9 decided to step on the gas and get things moving.

The result is a thumping collection that showcases their contrasting perspectives and lyrical prowess. It also highlights each rapper’s distinctive style: Gloc-9’s penchant for storytelling and the melodic, and Abaddon’s grit and savage wordplay.

The reverence is palpable on both sides. Abaddon, a member of the formidable underground hip-hop collective Shockra, likens linking up with Gloc-9, his ‘master,’ to hoisting a ‘trophy’ something that inspires a ‘different level of happiness.’ Gloc-9, on the other hand, is always on the lookout for a new well of inspiration. And working with Abaddon, he says, is like putting his creativity ‘on steroids.’

‘It’s like hearing something new and that’s refreshing to me,’ he says.

Beyond personal glory

Gloc-9 would be lying if he said the prospect of working with stars like Eminem or gaining the same kind of international attention as EZ Mil doesn’t pique his interest. But he no longer aims for those. For the rapper, to demand more almost feels like ‘abuse’ because hip-hop has already given him so much.

So beyond individual collaborations or personal glory, Gloc-9 is now at a stage in his career where mentoring feels like a natural next step. If his enduring career is the harvested fruit, guiding young talents is the act of planting the seeds back in the soil. He notes that while talent is what sparks growth, character is what sustains it.

‘You can’t just pull in anyone simply because you want to mentor. But if you see someone with talent and a good head on their shoulders, I’m all for it,’ he says. ‘You can hone talent; you can’t teach character.’

It won’t be easy, especially if you’re not privileged to begin with. Gloc-9 knows this all too well, having endured poverty, countless rejections, and juggling multiple jobs in his pursuit of a music career. But as cliché as it sounds, a love for the craft heavier than the weight of any hardship makes all the difference.

‘If the intention and hard work are there, nothing is impossible,’ he says. ‘If you ask me to list my failures from the past 28 years, I can’t. I don’t count them only the blessings.’

Members of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), the body that grants licenses to construction firms, will no longer be allowed to own construction companies themselves due to a ‘conflict of interest,’ Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said on Wednesday.

Roque made the announcement after briefing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on how PCAB, an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), accredits contractors for infrastructure projects.

PCAB has been linked to the massive corruption in the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as all companies require a PCAB license to participate in bidding.

Last Sept. 16, Sen. Erwin Tulfo denounced in a privilege speech the abuse and corruption surrounding PCAB, naming board member Erni Baggao, owner of EGB Construction Corp., who bagged flood control projects amounting to P7.7 billion from 2022 to 2025.

Called out by Lacson

‘And these projects are not only tainted with allegations of overpricing and substandard work, but some are outright ghost projects,’ Tulfo said.

Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson has also called for a complete overhaul of the PCAB, which he described as a ‘low-key yet corrupt-ridden regulatory body’ following allegations of licenses being sold.

On Sept. 3, lawyer Herbert Matienzo resigned as PCAB executive director for ‘personal reasons’ amid allegations that the board was involved in accrediting construction companies in exchange for money.

PCAB board member Baggao followed suit for ‘personal and health reasons,’ while the term of another board member, Arthur Escalante, lapsed in May.

According to Roque, all three members who make up PCAB will soon be replaced, and she is just waiting for their appointment from Malacañang.

‘They’re presidential appointees. But of course, we’ve submitted a lot of names. They have to have 10 years of experience. They’re actually very well respected in the construction [industry],’ she added.

Added safeguards

Roque said the DTI has also added another process to ensure that only qualified contractors get PCAB licenses.

‘The licenses before are approved by the PCAB Board. What will happen now is that the license will pass to the office of [DTI] secretary for checking, and then from there, we will give it to the PCAB Board,’ Roque said.

‘So now, there’s an additional check, which is in the Office of the Secretary, to make sure that they are double-checked, that they’re really following the rules set by PCAB and the DTI,’ she added.

Roque also said PCAB is working on the revocation of the licenses of at least 15 contractors involved in flood control project anomalies.

‘There are other more contractors also that we need to investigate further. I cannot really give the number because as we go along, they’re increasing in number,’ she said.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday said it would livestream its investigative proceedings on the anomalous flood control projects beginning next week.

The ICI chair, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., made the announcement during an organizational meeting held by the Senate committee on justice and human rights before taking up Senate Bill (SB) No. 1215.

The bill calls for the creation of an Independent People’s Commission (IPC), which, like the ICI, will be tasked to look into anomalies in government infrastructure projects.

‘Looking for a solution’

Despite the mounting public clamor, the ICI was initially reluctant to open its hearings to the public.

In remarks made on Sept. 28, ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said the fact-finding body ‘is avoiding trial by publicity and will not allow it to be used for any political leverage or agenda by any individual or group.’

But Hosaka said the ICI was looking for a ‘solution that will both balance the request for more transparency and the protection of individual rights.’

At the Senate meeting on Wednesday, Reyes announced that the ICI will make its proceedings public.

‘We don’t have the facility, we don’t have the rules of procedure, but we. will now go on livestream next week once we get to have the technical capability,’ he said.

Fast-track IPC

Sen. Francis Pangilinan welcomed the ICI’s move and also urged President Marcos to certify SB 1215 as urgent to fast-track the creation of a stronger body to probe government corruption.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III suggested adding more provisions in the IPC bill to give the proposed body more powers.

The bill should give the IPC the power to file cases, recommend persons for admission to the Witness Protection Program, and seek preventive suspensions and hold-departure orders on officials being investigated for corruption, Sotto said.

Its scope should also be ‘encompassing’ and not limited to public infrastructure.

Bare minimum

At the House, minority lawmakers welcomed Reyes’ announcement as a ‘long-overdue’ step toward transparency but said the decision to livestream the ICI proceedings must be matched by genuine independence and accountability.

‘The ICI has been basically shamed into heeding the call to livestream their proceedings,’ said Kamanggagawa Rep. Elijah ‘Eli’ San Fernando, the first lawmaker to formally petition the ICI to open up its hearings. ‘Transparency through livestreaming is the bare minimum.’

The next challenge for the ICI, he stressed, is to prove it could ‘investigate everyone even allies or those in the Palace,’ and for the body to release minutes of previous hearings to prove it can act ‘independently and without political interference.’

Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima noted that ‘By making the ICI hearings public, it is no longer just the ICI that is investigating. The public will also be included in the review and weighing, not only of those they are investigating but also of how their investigation is progressing.’

Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, cochair of the House infrastructure committee, said livestreaming would ‘enhance public discourse and strengthen accountability,’ especially since both chambers of Congress have already aired their own respective inquiries.

PNP support

Also on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police said it had offered investigative and technical support to the ICI, particularly in the areas of engineering verification, forensic validation, and information systems development.

A police delegation met with the ICI at the commission’s Taguig City office on Tuesday to discuss the matter, the PNP said in a statement.

Hosaka earlier said the commission met with the PNP to discuss coordination regarding the validation of at least 421 ‘ghost’ or nonexistent flood control projects nationwide that had so far been tagged in the investigation.

At least five suspected drug traffickers were arrested on Wednesday in buy-bust operations in Laguna and Rizal provinces and yielded over P999,000 worth of ‘shabu’ (crystal meth) and an illegal firearm, the police said.

Col. Dennis de Guzman, Calamba City, Laguna police chief, said in a report that anti-illegal drugs operatives collared a suspected pusher identified as ‘Emil’ at 10:20 p.m. in Barangay Canluban after he sold P500 worth of shabu to an undercover police officer.

Seized from the suspect were five sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 70 grams. Based on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s standard price of P6,800 per gram, the seized drugs were valued at P476,000.

During a routine frisk, police also found Emil carrying an undocumented caliber .9mm pistol loaded with seven bullets.

Police identified Emil as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade.

HVI is classified as a financier, trafficker, manufacturer, importer of illegal drugs, or leader or member of drug syndicates.

In San Mateo, Rizal, policemen nabbed ‘Prince,’ ‘Mary,’ ‘Jonathan,’ and ‘John’ during a drug sting operation in Barangay Gulod Malaya at around 11:37 p.m., the Police Region 4A said in another report.

The suspects yielded 16 sachets of meth weighing a total of 77 grams worth P523,600, a digital weighing scale, and shabu sniffing paraphernalia.

The report tagged Prince and Mary as HVIs, while Jonathan and John are listed as street-level pushers.

Laguna and Rizal police are conducting further investigations to determine the source of the illegal drugs.

All suspects are under police custody and will face a formal complaint for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Emil will also face another case for illegal possession of a firearm.

In a bid to ensure transparency and integrity, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other business groups to conduct an independent vetting and background check of DPWH officials.

The separate letters were sent on Wednesday to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Institute of Corporate Directors Chairperson Benedicta Baladad, Management Association of the Philippines President Alfredo Panlilio, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Consul Enunina Mangio. ‘What the President always says is to cleanse and not come in defense of DPWH. This is included in the reform and cleansing that our officials should be incorruptible and sincere in their service to the Filipino people,’ Dizon said in a statement on Thursday.

The 14 DPWH officials are:

Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain

Undersecretary Arthur V. Bisnar

Undersecretary Ador G. Canlas

Undersecretary Nicasio A. Conti

Undersecretary Charles T. Calima

Undersecretary Samuel Rufino J. Turgano

Undersecretary Ricardo P. Bernabe III

OIC-Undersecretary Lara Marisse I. Esquibil

Assistant Secretary Nerie D. Bueno

Assistant Secretary Medmier G. Malig

Assistant Secretary Michael S. Vilalfranca

Assistant Secretary Constante A. Llanes Jr.

Assistant Secretary Michelle S. De Vera

Assistant Secretary Suzanne Marie R. LiwanagEsquibil was the newly appointed officer-in-charge for operations, overseeing Convergence Projects and Technical Services. Her appointment came after DPWH Undersecretary Arrey Perez resigned from the post last October 17, barely a month after he was appointed to the position.

Perez resigned after he was linked by Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste to flood control contractors. Dizon earlier said that Perez submitted his irrevocable resignation to give way to investigation and to prevent being a ‘distraction’ to the agency.

Director Josh Boone, known for his work in ‘The Fault in Our Stars,’ said that Filipino-American actor Sam Morelos was the first and only choice to portray Lexie in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel ‘Regretting You.’

‘About 900 people submitted tapes for Lexie,’ Boone revealed in a statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment. ‘Sam Morelos was our first and only choice. They’re one of the most popular characters in any screening. They always get the most laughs.’

In ‘Regretting You,’ Boone brings Hoover’s emotional mother-daughter story to the big screen, starring Allison Williams as Morgan Grant and Mckenna Grace as her teenage daughter, Clara.

The film follows the two women as they navigate grief, betrayal, and rediscovery after a tragic accident upends their lives. The cast also includes Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Clancy Brown.

Morelos plays Lexie, Clara’s longtime best friend, who provides comic relief in the film, which is otherwise steeped in tension and heartbreak.

‘Lexie is just a fun, light presence,’ said Morelos. ‘In a movie where there’s a lot of tension, Lexie is the knife that cuts it. I was laughing whenever I was on set-mostly at my own jokes.’

Morelos, who uses they and them pronouns, gained recognition for their role as Nikki in Netflix’s ‘That ’90s Show,’ where they showcased both their comedic timing and musical background.

Born and raised in California to Filipino immigrant parents, Morelos also has roots in theater and music, performing in local stage productions before breaking into Hollywood.

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The Fil-Am star said they were also immediately drawn to Lexie’s personality during auditions as she spoke about her experience working with their co-stars.

‘Everyone was a joy to work with,’ they said. ‘Allison was so interested in Gen Z vernacular that I became her guide. She started saying things like, ‘Slay the house down, Boots. Houston, I’m deceased.’ Dave Franco is so sweet and so curious.’

For Morelos, ‘Regretting You’ is a film best experienced with loved ones, as it is a story that features ‘the little moments that shaped people’s relationships in the long run.’

‘Everyone should watch ‘Regretting You’ in theaters with their moms, their best friends, and their partners,’ they said. ‘Watching this film in a cinema filled with that much love will make you want to hold your people closer ; it’s that infectious.’

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday tagged Benguet lone district Rep. Eric Yap as the ‘person of interest’ behind a construction firm involved in the complaint filed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over anomalous flood control projects in La Union.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon personally filed complaints of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents against DPWH officials and the Silverwolves Construction Corporation and St. Timothy Corporation for separate flood control projects in the two provinces.

‘For Silverwolves Construction Corporation, the person of interest here is Congressman Eric Yap, who is known to be the beneficial owner of the company,’ Remulla said in a press conference. ‘He divested from it a few years ago, supposedly but there’s still reason to suspect that he’s still the beneficial owner of the company so there’s clear conflict of interest punishable also under RA [Republic Act] 3019,’ Remulla added.

However, Dizon clarified that the beneficial owners of the construction firms are not included in the complaints. Remulla said that as the person of interest was already identified, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) will conduct its own research.

Meanwhile, when asked if they would ask the AMLC to freeze Yap’s assets, Remulla answered in the affirmative.

‘As soon as possible because he is already a person of interest,’ he noted.

The Benguet solon previously denied any involvement in alleged kickbacks in government infrastructure projects, noting that he has never authorized delivery of money in relation to anomalous flood control projects.

He was earlier implicated after a supposed former security consultant of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co said that Yap brought 46 suitcases containing money to Co’s residence in Pasig City.

Meanwhile, Remulla said that they found out through the AMLC that contractors Pacifico and Cezarah ‘Sara’ Discaya sent money to ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Edvic Yap, brother of Eric, around 2019 or 2020.

‘We received a transmission of money from AMLC that went to Edvic Yap so we saw the pattern. They have something to do with the contracts because we saw the transmission of money from the Discayas,’ he pointed out.

He also tagged Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador Pleyto as one of those who received money from the Discayas.

‘The other one was not yet a congressman but a congressman now. The other one is Salvador Pleyto, congressman from Bulacan, yung kasama sa remittance ng Discaya na na-tag ng AMLC,’ Remulla said.

Remulla noted that the transmittal of money proves that the tagged personalities have something to do with the contracts of government infrastructure projects.

Joeven Dela Vega is ready for his major comeback in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after recovering from a serious health issue.

After missing the Open Conference, where the PGJC-Navy lost nine of its 10 games, Dela Vega vows to make up for lost time after undergoing a procedure called video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). ‘When I got discharged from the hospital, I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to come back. It was really tough. I lost more than 10 kilos. I really pushed my body, not to the extreme, but just enough to slowly regain my strength,’ Dela Vega told the reporters in Filipino.

‘So when I returned to Manila, it was much easier. Physically, I was okay, and once I got back to training, I was able to handle the ball well again.’

The 27-year-old spiker has been training with the Sealions for two months now, but he made sure to maintain his physical condition during his recovery through strength and conditioning exercises. ‘I’m super excited because this is what I’ve been working for. I pushed myself to get back in shape just to be able to play in this upcoming conference. Hopefully, I’ll be able to compete well,’ he said.

‘Right now, we’re taking things step by step. One game at a time. Last year wasn’t a good run for our team, so hopefully this conference, we’ll be more competitive against the top teams and really climb the standings.’

Dela Vega also got an extra inspiration for his comeback after the Philippine men’s volleyball program got a big boost from the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, where Alas Pilipinas proved it belongs.

‘Super inspired. We’re all very excited, especially seeing the amount of support growing for men’s volleyball. The level has really gone up, and we’re hoping for a great showing this conference,’ Dela Vega said.

Navy opens its campaign against Criss Cross on Monday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III is confident he will remain the head of the chamber when it opens its second regular session in November.

‘Yes. God willing,’ Sotto told reporters at the ‘Kapihan sa Senado’ forum on Wednesday who asked him if he sees himself keeping his post.

Asked what made Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson decide to come back as head of the powerful blue ribbon committee, Sotto said at a separate forum that the former wants to continue what he started.

‘He felt that our colleagues and even the public knew he had left behind some things that needed to be continued. As they say, he had unfinished business in the blue ribbon committee,’ Sotto said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo currently serves as acting chair of the committee.

The day before, Sotto confirmed that Lacson would retake the committee chairmanship when sessions resume.

Lacson, however, said he had warned Sotto that his return might cost the latter the support of the majority and possibly even the Senate presidency.

Asked about Lacson’s warning, Sotto simply said: ‘So be it. I’ve been afraid for so long that I no longer get scared.’

Sotto dodged an alleged coup d’etat before the chamber adjourned its session on Oct. 10.

Prior to this, there were rumors about an alleged attempt to unseat him which he himself denied.

Even Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, who was reported to be Sotto’s replacement, denied plotting against the Senate president.

Disappointed colleagues

Not long after this, Lacson resigned as head of the blue ribbon panel on Oct. 7. He cited as a reason the ‘disappointment’ of some of his colleagues over the direction being taken by the committee in its investigation of anomalous flood control projects.

According to Lacson, some senators claimed he seemed more interested in going after their colleagues while protecting House lawmakers who had been tagged as the ‘principal actors’ in irregularities in the 2025 national budget and ghost flood control projects.

As for Lacson’s warning that he might end up losing the Senate presidency with his return, Sotto said: ‘As far as we know, everything is stable in the Senate.’

‘Each of us is preoccupied with our respective duties and personal concerns,’ he added as he also noted that Cayetano himself told him ‘he was not talking to anyone.’

Collegial choice

‘So as far as we’re concerned, that was probably just a deduction made by other people. It could be something that is true, but then again, we leave it to our peers,’ Sotto said.

But he also reiterated that he serves at the pleasure of his colleagues, saying he could serve in any position or even as a regular senator.

Sotto headed the Senate minority group when the majority chose to reelect Sen. Francis Escudero as Senate president during the opening of the 20th Congress on July 28.

But on Sept. 8, Escudero’s position was declared vacant, and Sotto was subsequently elected new Senate president. According to a Senate source, Escudero lost his post because he stalled the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and also due to his connection with Centerways Construction and Development Inc., one of the 15 contractors identified by President Marcos that had bagged controversial flood control projects.

Sotto admitted the possible leadership change in the Senate was mentioned when he and Lacson were discussing the latter’s return as blue ribbon panel chair.

‘Of course, some people were thinking that if I was not the Senate President, Senator Lacson would not become the blue ribbon committee chair,’ he said.

But Lacson was just following the evidence, Sotto stressed, adding: ‘We are not targeting a particular person or sector of government. It just so happens that this is where the trail is leading.’