Senator Koko Pimentel expresses intentions to run for senate president.
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel said that he is eyeing the senate presidency as the 17 congress opens in July under the administration of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte.
Senator Koko Pimentel is the president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), the political party of Duterte.
On Thursday, the lawmaker told the reporters and Inquirer that he wants to be the senate president so the plans of incoming president would be easily delivered through the senate.
“As president of the party, I will aspire to be Senate President so that the agenda of the party and the President can be shepherded through the Senate,” he said during signed a coalition agreement with Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
Senator Pimentel also said that Duterte was informed about his intentions through his partymates. However, he has not received his blessing yet.
“Wala po s’yang nasabi sa akin na (he has not told me that) he’s blessing me but it’s my partymates who are blessing me so that’s why I’m aspiring for it,” he added.
According to Pimentel, he is ready to engage in a “friendly competition” with Senator Alan Cayetano, who was also reported to be eyeing the senate presidency.
Senator Cayetano is the runningmate of Duterte, but he is under the Nacionalista Party chaired by former senator Manny Villar.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Duterte will assume the presidency this coming June 30. A simple inauguration is now being prepared for the 16 President of the Philippines.