Senator-elect Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has firmly stated that the Senate only recognizes two blocs—the majority and the minority—and dismissed the idea of forming an “independent bloc”.
His remarks come after some senators expressed their intention to create separate groups within the 20th Congress.
Sotto explained that Senate rules clearly define membership: if a senator votes to elect a Senate president, they belong to the majority; if not, they are part of the minority.
He emphasized that there is no room for an independent bloc, despite discussions among some senators about forming distinct alliances.
Among those pushing for separate blocs, Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed interest in forming an independent bloc, while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has proposed a Duterte bloc.
However, Sotto maintains that these efforts do not change the fundamental structure of the Senate.
