Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa confirmed that the Senate’s Duterte-aligned bloc has not yet chosen their candidate for the next Senate President.
“We haven’t had any discussions yet. We’re still waiting for Senator Robin Padilla to return from abroad before we make a decision,” Dela Rosa told reporters.
Padilla is currently in the Netherlands, where former President Rodrigo Duterte is facing proceedings at the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity.
The Duterte bloc in the Senate includes Dela Rosa, Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Senator Imee Marcos, and Senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta. Among them, Go, Dela Rosa, and Marcos secured reelection in the recent 2025 midterm elections.
Dela Rosa emphasized that the bloc is not actively recruiting new members and maintained that there’s no consensus yet on whether to support a leadership change. He clarified he has no issues with current Senate President Francis Escudero.
While former Senate President Tito Sotto has reportedly gained backing for a return, Dela Rosa pointed out that the race isn’t limited to two candidates. He mentioned Alan Peter Cayetano and Miguel Zubiri as potential contenders.
On Cayetano, who previously served under the Duterte administration, Dela Rosa said, “He’s qualified. He has the ability to lead the Senate,” but added he hasn’t spoken with him directly.