Sotto bares priorities at Alyansa press event

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte — Former Senate President Tito Sotto, a senior member of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), underscored the party’s commitment to supporting President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s administration during a recent press conference held by the administration coalition Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

“Our party, the NPC, joined Alyansa because we wanted to support the programs of the President,” Sotto affirmed.

Sotto addressed the looming impeachment proceedings in the Senate against Vice President Sara Duterte. He cited conflicting rules within the Senate and impeachment trial procedures.

“The Rules on Procedure on Impeachment Trials state that the session shall continue until a final judgment is rendered,” Sotto explained. “However, the Rules of the Senate indicate that all matters and proceedings shall terminate upon the expiration of one Congress. But this is a genuine justiciable issue within the courts. Baka sayang lang [it may be wasted] if the results are invalidated by the courts,” he cautioned.

He stressed the importance of impartiality, saying, "Always observe impartiality when it comes to Senate matters."

The former Senate President further highlighted the critical role of Senate oversight functions, particularly on the budget.

“The oversight not only covers the budget that we authored and passed, especially for education, but it also allows us to recommend corrections to the President for the 2025 national expenditure program,” he explained. “The single most important law is the budget.”

Track record and commitment to public service

Sotto expressed pride in his record of public service, stating, “Marami na kaming nagawa, marami pa kaming magagawa. Sulit naman yung boto niyo sa akin — never late, never absent, kahit nung pandemic, 100% during the crisis."

(We've done a lot, but we can still do more. Your vote for me will be worth it.)

He concluded with a powerful pledge: “Handa naming ilaan ang buhay namin para gawin ang trabaho na binigay sa amin ng taumbayan.”

(We're ready to dedicate our lives to do the work given to us by the people.)

He is joined by the other Alyansa candidates — Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Benhur Abalos, Manny Pacquiao, Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Camille Villar, Abigail Binay and Erwin Tulfo.