MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente Sotto III remained as leader of the chamber in the 18th Congress after a smooth election where he obtained the support of new and returning senators. Sotto was reinstated as Senate president via viva voce voting yesterday after no other candidate for the post was nominated during the opening session presided over by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and attended by 22 senators. Recto also nominated Sotto for his retention, saying the latter was better in writing laws than in writing songs. In his acceptance speech, Sotto said “to be elected by those so elected, as you did to me, is so much more humbling than a greater source of pride.”“You have gifted me the honor of being your Senate president,” Sotto said, stressing that the context of the position is different from what is usually understood. As minority leader, Drilon leads the four-member opposition bloc that also includes Sen. Risa Hontiveros and detained Sen. Leila de Lima.

Source: Philippine Star July 22, 2019 16:00 UTC