Sen. Joel Villanueva believes that neophyte senators have been aggressive in seeking the chairmanship of their preferred Senate committees in the next Congress.
Villanueva did not mince words when asked about his thoughts on the bid of newly elected senators for committee chairmanships yesterday.
“I would say they were aggressive…when they started talking about it in the media,” Villanueva told ANC “Headstart.”
“In our time, I could hardly remember anyone talking about someone interested in a committee. As a neophyte, I think it’s but natural to observe, and look around, see what you can do,” he added.
Villanueva said this was “cleared” during the dinner meeting of 18th Congress majority bloc senators last Wednesday night in Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s residence in Makati City. See story on Page 8.
“We shared this with incoming senators last night, that it’s up to you to make the most out of a committee and we are here to help,” he said.
Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, following their meeting, said is he close to resolving the conflict on committee chairmanships.
Neophyte senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino are poised to chair the Senate panels they want to handle.
Sotto said their gathering was “way beyond cordial,” Sotto said. “Off to a good start I could say,” he said. (Vanne Terrazola)
