Seconding Speech of Senator Loren LegardaIn the Nomination of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as Senate President | September 8, 2025

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues:

The Filipino people have always looked to the Senate as a pillar of our democracy. In times of profound challenges, when our citizens yearn for clarity and wisdom, they expect us to steady the ship and steer it with a clear compass toward safer shores. They do not ask for eloquence alone, but for proof that we can all place country above self, and that we can govern with discipline, foresight, and courage.

Discipline to resist the distractions of partisanship and to keep public service anchored in principle.

Foresight to craft laws that anticipate the future, rather than merely react to crises.
And the courage to take the difficult but necessary decisions that secure the long-term welfare of our people, even when they come at significant political cost.

Let me emphasize: leadership in this Chamber is never a solitary duty. It is the shared guardianship of a trust that belongs to the Filipino people. The Senate is at its finest when debate sharpens judgment and unity springs from conviction. This, I believe, is what Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III embodies, and why I rise in support of his nomination as Senate President.

During my first term long ago, I served as Majority Leader while he was Minority Leader. I witnessed his respect for balance and fairness, ensuring that this Chamber remained a forum of reason and accountability. Later, as Chair of the Committee on Finance under his Senate Presidency, I saw his firm hand in guiding our work, listening to every voice, building consensus, and reminding us constantly that governance must yield tangible results for the people.

These are qualities tested by time and proven by service. Senator Sotto commands respect through fairness, humility, and his ability to unite diverse voices.

For these reasons, I second the nomination of Senator Vicente Sotto III as Senate President.