Newly-elected senators would respect seniority and tradition of “equity of incumbents” at the upper chamber in the 18th Congress, senator-elect Bong Go said.
Go issued the statement following a dinner meeting with some incumbent and incoming senators at the residence of Senator Manny Pacquiao in Makati City, wherein they discussed possible committee chairmanships.
“We, as newly-elected senators, respect the tradition of ‘equity of incumbents’ and we appreciate how the senior senators have been very accommodating with our requests and concerns. The majority bloc will decide in the coming weeks on how to best lead these committees,” the former presidential aide said.
“The majority bloc will decide on how to best lead these committees.”
The former Palace official added that while he has signified to lead four preferred Senate panels, the decision would still be up to the majority bloc.
“Sinabi ko na nais ko makatulong, and if possible, magkaroon ng leadership role sa committees on health, education, sports o urban planning, housing, and resettlements. Pero depende pa rin naman ito sa sentimyento ng majority bloc (I expressed my interest, if possible, to have leadership roles in the committees on health, education, sports or urban planning, housing and resettlements. But it still depends upon the sentiment of the majority bloc),” he said.
“I expressed my interest, if possible, to have leadership roles in the committees on health, education, sports or urban planning, housing and resettlements.”
Go, meanwhile, noted that the working relationship between the Senate and the executive department under the leadership of Senate President Tito Sotto III has been good in the 17th Congress, as he expressed support for Sotto’s continued leadership in the upcoming Congress.
“With his continued leadership, we can solidify the support of the Senate to the Legislative agenda of President Duterte,” Go said.