Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito played a key role in convincing Sen. Joel Villanueva to join the Senate majority bloc, as the chamber underwent another round of leadership realignment.
Lacson said Ejercito personally maintained communication with Villanueva in the final hours before the shift was finalized, describing the development as a result of sustained discussions between close colleagues.
“Much credit should go to Sen. JV. They were close friends, so siya ang kinakausap ni Sen. Joel until last night,” Lacson said in a chance interview, adding that Villanueva’s confirmation came late in the evening.
Lacson also rejected claims that senators were pressured into joining the majority, following earlier remarks suggesting external influence in the bloc realignment.
He said commitments made to cooperate with the new leadership should be reflected in actual conduct inside the chamber.
“An offer is an offer. We want to see the actual action of his offer,” he said.
Ejercito, for his part, said he kept open communication lines with both Villanueva and Sen. Francis Escudero despite their earlier alignment with a different faction, saying his appeal focused on restoring functionality in the Senate.
He said frustration over stalled legislative work was a key factor in the decision of some senators to rejoin the majority.
“Marami na nalulungkot kasi di kami nakakapagtrabaho. The institution is damaged,” Ejercito said, adding that some colleagues felt unable to fully perform their duties during recent session disruptions.
He noted that Villanueva, in particular, had expressed dissatisfaction over recent developments, including the boycott of plenary sessions prior to the chamber’s sine die adjournment.
Ejercito said the situation underscored the need to prioritize institutional stability over political divisions, warning against further damage to the Senate’s credibility.
Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda welcomed the election of new Senate leaders, describing them as competent colleagues and calling for a “fresh start” in the chamber.
“I’m glad na 13 ang boto. So, maayos na, legal na,” Legarda said, adding that she is ready to collaborate with the new leadership despite remaining in the minority bloc.
Sen. Pia Cayetano also expressed support for the leadership transition, citing compliance with constitutional requirements.
“Thirteen, di ba? Common sense… kapag sumunod sa Constitution at sa rules, no problem,” she said, stressing that the outcome should be respected as long as it follows Senate rules.
The latest developments mark another shift in the Senate’s leadership configuration, with senators from both blocs signaling a cautious willingness to reset relations following weeks of political tension inside the chamber.