MALACAÑANG is not meddling in the Senate's internal affairs and is optimistic about maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Senate despite a change in leadership.

"We respect the right of the senators to choose their leader. The President and Palace will not intervene in the process of selecting the new Senate President," said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.

"The Palace believes that whoever gets elected as Senate President -- and Senator Tito Sotto is a close ally of the government -- there will be no changes in the close relations and cooperation that has been established between the Senate and Malacañang," Roque added.

Roque was reacting to reports Friday, May 18, that 14 senators have signed a Senate resolution electing Senate Majority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III as the new leader of the Senate, replacing incumbent Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III.

On Thursday, May 17, Pimentel brushed aside the rumors that he will be replaced by Monday, May 21.

“It is not true that there will be changes in the Senate leadership come Monday (May 21). No such thing,” Pimentel said in a statement.

Pimentel was elected as Senate President in 2016. He is also the president of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party.

He has reportedly asked that he be allowed to retain his position until October or November.

Section 16(1) of the 1987 Constitution states that the Senate can elect its president by a majority of vote of all its respective members.

Sources have also cited a possible revamp of the committee chairmanships before the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte in July. (SunStar Philippines)