Jinggoy: Enrile to face off with Drilon for Senate presidency in 16th Congress

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will still face off with Senator Franklin Drilon for the Senate presidency in the next Congress despite not having the numbers to hold on to the chamber's top post.

In an interview Wednesday, Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Enrile still intends to run for the Senate presidency in the 16th Congress, although their bloc may end up in the minority.

"I have already spoken with Senator Enrile and he signified his intention to become the minority floor leader. Siguro si Senate President Enrile will be nominated. Of course, we do not have the numbers so he will automatically be the minority floor leader," Estrada said.

He added that Enrile will likely get the vote of the so-called "macho bloc" in the Senate, as well as incoming Senators Nancy Binay and Joseph Victor Ejercito. The Senate "macho bloc" includes Enrile, Estrada, Senator Gregorio Honasan and Senator Vicente Sotto III.

Estrada added that he has already talked with Drilon three days ago, and signified his preference to retain his chairmanship of the Senate committee on labor.

Drilon, a close ally of the President Benigno Aquino III, admitted last month that he is seeking his fellow senators' support for the Senate presidency in the 16th Congress.

Drilon was the campaign manager of the administration slate during the last midterm polls, which managed to win nine seats in the Senate. — Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News