No assurance admin-backed bills will be passed into law — Senate leaders

The Senate leadership assured the public Wednesday that it will remain as an independent institution amid the entry of pro-administration candidates poised to win in the just-concluded midterm polls.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said there is no assurance that all the legislative measures being pushed by the Duterte administration will be passed into law.

“Masusunod lahat ng gusto admin? How much are they willing to bet?” he said.

“No guarantees on anything at this point. We will need to discuss with the members of the majority on how to tackle issues specially controversial ones,” he added.

He said only three of the possible winners are considered as President Rodrigo Duterte’s men, referring to former special assistant to the President Bong Go, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, and Francis Tolentino.

“Remember, we have six reelectionists all from the majority, three returnees who will most probably be with the majority, and three President's men only,” he said.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, meanwhile, said the Senate as an institution will always continue to remain independent “as proven by our track record in passing legislation.”

He said when senators see an administration-led measure that is good for the people, they support it, but if they see that it needs further study and debate then they don’t force it or rush into it.

He mentioned the administration-backed TRAIN 2 measure, reimposition of death penalty, and federalism.

“The Senate will guarantee our people quality legislation and we have been doing that as an institution,” said Zubiri.

Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, for his part, said the opposition senators will make sure the Senate will maintain its independence.

“I have no crystal ball. We will do everything to maintain the Senate's independence. But if the Senate becomes a "rubber stamp," we assure our people that we will not be part of it..that will be the decision of the majority,” he said.

“Having said that, I have no doubt that any reorganization in the Senate will need the President's blessing,” he added.

Based on the latest partial, unofficial count, no opposition bet has breached the Magic 12. Senator Bam Aquino is on the 14th spot. — RSJ, GMA News