President-elect Bongbong Marcos is unlikely to make an endorsement for the next Senate president, his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos said Tuesday citing the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government.
"It's most unlikely and quite improper," Imee told reporters when asked if her brother would announce his bet for the next Senate president.
"As you all are well aware, the separation of the three branches of government. Hindi tayo nanghihimasok sa executive. Ang executive, hindi papakialaman ang judiciary and so on and so forth. Kasi hindi naman siya tama," she added.
READ: Race Starts for Senate President Under Bongbong Marcos
Three senators are reportedly vying for the position to be vacated by Sen. Vicente Sotto III, namely Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sen. Cynthia Villar, and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
At least 13 votes are needed in order to be elected Senate president. In a separate interview with reporters, Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said seven senators have expressed their support for Villar.
Aside from him, Dela Rosa said those who are backing Villar include Senators Imee, Francis Tolentino, Bong Go, Bong Revilla, as well as Senators-elect Mark Villar and Robin Padilla.
Imee previously said that she was hoping to help foster a harmonious relationship between Congress and Malacañang so that important measures may be passed immediately and without a hitch.
In 2019, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte endorsed both Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco as House Speaker under a "term-sharing agreement". Cayetano served in the first 15 months, with Velasco taking over in the last 21 months.
The Senate is expected to vote for its new president on July 27 during the opening of the 19th Congress, the same day that president-elect Marcos delivers his first State of the Nation Address.
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