In the last few minutes before the Senate adjourned sine die, Sotto only said, “As the curtain falls on the 15th Congress, as its legal life draws its breath end of June, please consider my position co-terminus therewith.”
After the session adjourned, Sotto explained that his pronouncement was in essence a resignation,so that he will no longer have to perform his job as majority leader when the 16th Congress opens next month.
Under Senate rules, officers will end their terms only when their successors have been elected.
“If I did not say that and I didn’t do that, I will be a carryover until 16th Congress until July 22. E ayoko na nga e,” Sotto said.
“As of today, I consider myself resigned… Gets na nila iyon,” he added.
Sotto also said he came short of immediately resigning for the sake of his employees, who will lose their jobs if he did so.
Sotto’s statement was in contrast with that of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who categorically said in a privilege speech Wednesday that he is quitting his post as Senate president.
Sotto and Enrile’s moves came amid news of an impending change in the Senate’s leadership next Congress.
Sen. Franklin Drilon, an administration ally, is eyeing to replace Enrile as Senate president after the ruling party secured nine of the 12 Senate seats during the 2013 midterm polls. — KBK, GMA News
