MANILA (Bernama-PNA): Philippines Senator Vicente "Tito” Sotto III on Monday reclaimed the post of Senate President, replacing Senator Francis "Chiz” Escudero, and pledged to uphold transparency, accountability, and independence while ensuring cooperation with the administration.
In his acceptance speech, Sotto vowed to lead the Senate with balance and transparency, citing public anger over corruption, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
"Our people are enraged by corruption. Corruption that is now seen, heard and felt by the Filipinos more than ever.
"The failed flood control projects that were supposed to protect the lives, livelihood and properties of our countrymen, the dilapidated classrooms for our students, and the lack of quality farm-to-market roads to aid our farmers, all are engulfed in corruption, hindering the progress of the nation as a whole,” he said.
He stressed that corruption is widely perceived to permeate government but expressed confidence that political will and public vigilance can bring transparency and accountability.
Sotto also recalled how the chamber opposed unconstitutional budget realignments during his earlier term as Senate President, and described his role as "primus inter pares, or first among equals.”
Escudero, in his valedictory remarks, thanked colleagues and staff for their support. -- Bernama-PNA
