Sotto claims support of 11 senators for Senate presidency

Senator Vicente Sotto III is being considered by up to 11 senators for the Senate presidency, the lawmaker himself said in an interview on Friday.

Sotto, who will be serving his fourth term as a member of the Senate, said the group he is forming with several senators is considering him for the top post in the chamber.

"Officially, I have been considered. I have not aspired for it but the group we are forming is considering me as a possibility," Sotto said.

"Right now, kausap namin mga 11 pero nine kaming sigurado (sa grupo)," he added.

The number of votes a senator needs for the Senate presidency is 13.

Sotto is a member of the Nationalist People's Coalition.

Earlier, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III announced his intention to make a go for the post.

As the lone PDP-Laban party mate of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte in the Senate, Pimentel said he was seeking the post to be more effective in shepherding the next Chief Executive's legislative agenda.

Other likely candidates for the Senate helm are Senate President Franklin Drilon, who topped the senatorial elections; and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Duterte's running mate who placed third in the vice presidential race. —NB, GMA News