Koko assures of 'independent Senate' as Duterte allies dominate surveys

DAVAO CITY - Reelectionist Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday gave assurance that the Senate will remain independent, even as allied candidates of President Rodrigo Duterte are poised to win majority of the seats in the upcoming May senatorial polls.

Opposition candidates and their supporters have been urging voters to ensure that there will still be healthy opposition in the Congress’ upper chamber which will scrutinize the legislative priorities of the President.

To this, Pimentel said: “Let that be their political line, if the people will bite it or not.”

“The Senate, the Philippine Senate will always be independent, no matter the result,” he added.

Pimentel also noted that 4 minority senators will be included in the upcoming 18th Congress, namely Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, and detained Sen. Leila de Lima.

In the April survey of Pulse Asia, HNP bets Sen. Cynthia Villar, Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, former presidential assistant Christopher Go, Sen. Sonny Angara, former police chief Ronald dela Rosa, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Sen. JV Ejercito emerged as likely winners in Monday’s polls.

Reelectionist Sen. Bam Aquino was the lone candidate from opposition slate Otso Diretso who made it to the winners’ circle.

Meanwhile, independent candidates, reelectionist Senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay, and former senator Lito Lapid had a strong showing in the latest Pulse Asia survey.