MANILA -- The Palace remained optimistic to have a good relationship with the Senate despite Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan's withdrawal from presidency race.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the administration only hopes for a cooperative Senate regardless who the Senate president will be.
"What is important is that we have a Senate president who will advance the legislative agenda of President Aquino and support his advocacies," Lacierda said.
A day before the opening of the 15th Congress, Pangilinan withdrew his bid for Senate presidency citing his inability to unite the chamber.
Pangilinan is the candidate of Liberal Party, which is the party of newly-elected President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
With Pangilinan's withdrawal, the Liberal Party could choose another candidate to field or just support other senator outside their party.
Lacierda said the Liberal Party will announce their decision on Monday. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)