Sotto reaffirms NPC backing for Marcos

Former Senate President Tito Sotto reaffirmed the support of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the party aligned with the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate.

“Our party, the NPC, has joined Alyansa because we want to support the programs of the President,” Sotto said during a press conference.

Sotto also tackled the legal ambiguities surrounding the potential impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing contradictions between Senate rules and impeachment trial procedures.

“The Rules on Procedure on Impeachment Trials state that the session shall continue until a final judgment is rendered,” he said.

“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 a waste) if the results are invalidated by the courts,” he said.

Emphasizing neutrality in Senate matters, he added, “My thinking there is rules-based. Always observe impartiality when it comes to Senate matters.”

Sotto underscored the Senate’s oversight role, particularly on the national budget, stressing its impact on governance.

“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 said. “The single most important law is the budget.”

Highlighting his commitment to public service, Sotto expressed confidence in his legislative track record.

“I’ve done a lot and I can do a lot more. Your votes worked for you. I was never late and never absent even during the pandemic; a hundred percent during the crisis,” he said.

Sotto is part of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial lineup, which includes Panfilo Lacson, Benhur Abalos, Manny Pacquiao, Francis Tolentino, Camille Villar, Abigail Binay and Erwin Tulfo.