SENATOR Juan Ponce Enrile was re-elected Senate President on Monday, ending a deadlock between two Senate factions allied with President Benigno Aquino III and Sen. Manuel Villar.
Enrile took his oath before Sen. Franklin Drilon, who was designated presiding officer during the voting. Enrile easily defeated another nominee, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, for the position of Senate President after getting 17 of the 20 votes. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago was not present during the voting.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, meanwhile, was voted Senate President pro tempore.
In his speech, Enrile thanked his fellow senators for choosing him to head the Upper Chamber. He said his election as Senate President was unique in the country’s history after senators set aside partisan politics and reached a consensus to elect a new head of the Upper Chamber.
Liberal Party Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan earlier withdrew from the Senate Presidency race after failing to secure the needed 13 votes to clinch the chamber’s top post.
The senator announced the move on Sunday, saying this should now restore unity in the upper chamber. (PIA-Bohol)
