Imee Marcos, who secured another term in the Senate, revealed that she was urged by some fellow lawmakers in the incoming 20th Congress to seek the Senate’s top leadership post.
In a statement released Friday, the Presidential sister did not disclose her response to the proposal but emphasized that, regardless of who is elected Senate President, key congressional reforms must be pursued.
"The most important is reform in the budgetary process. Tigilan na ang mahiwagang bicam," said Marcos.
"The right priorities in spending, considering our recurring fiscal deficits and huge indebtedness, must be legislated: food security and support to our farmers and fishermen; education; health and truly necessary social services," she added.
Furthermore, Marcos emphasized that once the Office of the President submits the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress, the constitutional principle of congressional power over the purse must be upheld.
She criticized the Department of Budget and Management's (DBM) statement that the President would remain involved in the budget process after the NEP’s submission, calling it both improper and unconstitutional.
Marcos also advocated for electoral reforms, particularly within the political party system, which she criticized as being driven more by "personal ambition" than by the common good.
"Above all, the Senate as the guardian of national interest must always be upheld; its independence non-negotiable," she firmly added.
In addition to Marcos, Senator-elect Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and current Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero are also said to be contenders for the chamber’s highest post in the upcoming 20th Congress.
