The 11-member Senate Minority Bloc is not keen on supporting the possible return of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as Senate president.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan admitted there were discussions, “but it was immediately shot down by the minority bloc.”

“There were intermediaries, but not Sen. Chiz himself. But immediately nga di na pinalaki pa dahil solid yung 11 na di acceptable yung proposition na yun (But the solid  11 minority bloc do not find it an acceptable proposition so that was immediately shot down),” Pangilinan said in an interview on ANC. 

The senator reiterated that the “Solid Bloc-11” is solid behind Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as the next Senate leader.

That is why members of the minority bloc is doing its best to pursue the possibly of a new majority bloc forming in the next few months.

“There are several senators on our end doing back channel talks,” he said.

“I’m not part of those assigned from our group to explore a ‘win-win.’ Win Gatchalian Senate presidency,” he pointed out.

Asked what are the chances of their plan materializing, Pangilinan said “one week is a long time.”

“We’d like to finish this and fix the problem and go back to work. That’s what we want to do, as soon as possible, but unfortunately some of these things take time. It’s hard to say, it can be later, it can be next week. We’ll see,” he said.

Pangilinan also said they are vouching on the pressure put on by the public on the Senate, which the minority bloc members view as a positive development.

“I’ve never seen groups calling for the resignation of the Senate president. I’ve never seen that. That may make the number of members of majority think twice. Senators are sensitive to public opinion,” he stressed.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros also assured that the minority bloc is solidly behind Gatchalian as a Senate president.

“If Sen. Sherwin becomes Senate president, that would be good for the Senate…He’s a very serious legislator. He stays on the Senate floor even after plenary session is suspended. Whenever you hear him speak, he speaks to his staff about work. And one of the things that are important to him is the dignity and reputation of the Senate,” Hontiveros said.

Nevertheless, she said the members of the minority bloc remain at 11 but are solidly after reviving the integrity and reputation of the Senate which was damaged by the recent Senate leadership change, the shooting incident and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s escape. 

“For now our number remains the same in the minority yet we are focused on restoring the public’s positive perception of the Senate and to continue our legislative work, investigating anomalies. 

“In a few months, we will again work on the (national) budget and of course, we are sworn in as senator-judges for the impeachment trial,” Hontiveros added.

Solid 13

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, reiterated that the Senate majority bloc remains stable despite the events the past few days.

“Buo ang 13, sa 13 walang onsehan (the 13 majority bloc is solid, with the 13, there’s no scamming),” Cayetano told reporters briefly in an interview.

Also, sought for comment, Sen. Imee Marcos also assured that the majority bloc remains a “solid 13.”