Duterte allies to form ‘solid bloc’ in Senate, says Dela Rosa

Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa — File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Will  the “Duterte bloc” join the opposition or the majority group in the Senate?

It’s  all still up in the air, as far as Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is concerned.

“I don’t know. Everything can be discussed. We’ll see what develops once the 20th Congress convenes. We’ll see if our views align. That can be talked about,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino over Net 25 on Wednesday.

He was asked about the possibility of  forming a “stronger opposition” with two former senators — Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan — who are in the winning circle of 12 based on partial and unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

READ: Aquino, Pangilinan feats hailed as ‘real opposition’ gain

“But as for us, we will form a solid bloc — Sen. Bong Go, myself, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Sen. Imee, if Camille Villar joins us, and Robin Padilla. The six of us who will be entering the 20th Congress — I hope that we will remain a solid bloc,” Dela Rosa added.

Go is currently leading the senatorial race based on the latest tally while Dela Rosa and Marcoleta are in third and fifth places, respectively. All three ran under the senatorial ticket backed by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos and Villar, on the other hand,  ran under the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate until the former withdrew from it.

The two were  soon adopted as guest candidates of the Duterte-backed ticket.

READ: Sara Duterte bats for PDP Senate bets: ‘Filipinos deserve better’

In the same interview, Dela Rosa raised the possibility of forming an alliance with the majority bloc.

“That will depend on what we discuss. It’s also possible for us — the Duterte bloc — to come to an understanding with other existing or incumbent senators, and we might form what we can call a majority bloc. That’s also possible,” he said.

At present, the Senate minority is composed of  Sens. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel  and Risa Hontiveros. Pimentel’s term, however, will expire on June 30.

Pimentel ran as representative of Marikina’s first district but the latest count showed he was behind his rival, Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro.

READ: Marcy Teodoro’s proclamation, 18 others suspended by Comelec

Despite this, the Comelec suspended Teodoro’s proclamation because of pending disqualification cases lodged against him — one was filed by Pimentel  in connection with the mayor’s transfer  from the city’s second district to the first district. /das