Pimentel steps down as Senate president; Sotto replaces him

May 21, 2018

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III stepped down on Monday as Senate President, nominating Senator Vicente Sotto III as his successor.

Pimentel announced his decision to leave the Senate presidency in a press conference.

"It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve the Senate as its President, a position once held by my father," he said.

He added, his father, former Senator Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr. served with dignity, always staying true to his principles and consistently putting the interests of the nation before his.

"When I became a lawyer, my father reminded me of the immortal words of former Justice JBL Reyes, words that he said inspired all those in our profession who fought Martial Law: 'No master but law, no guide but conscience, no aim but justice'," he said.

He thanked his colleagues for playing significant roles in crafting and passing landmark legislation to improve the lives of the Filipino people.

He wished Sotto "good health and God speed".

Pimentel also vowed to help the new leadership pass pro-people legislation, consistent with the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He clarified that Malacanang was not behind the changes in Senate leadership.

"This is an example of peaceful and willing transfer of power in the Senate," he said.

Pimentel, as the president of PDP-LABAN, said he is preparing for the 2019 election and will go aroud the country to explain the importance and benefit the people can get from Federalism.

Pimentel was elected as the 28th Senate President of the 17th Congress last July 2016. Ella Dionisio/DMS