The Philippine Online Chronicles

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan announced that he is withdrawing from the Senate presidency race.

In a statement, Pangilinan said, “Much as I would like to go down fighting, I realize that to continue with my bid would keep the Senate fragmented and disunited. The disunity must now end. I believe I can help make it happen by voluntarily stepping aside.”

Pangilinan added, “After prayer and reflection, consulting my family and our Senate allies, I have decided to withdraw from the race in order to pave the way for the senators to choose another from our ranks who can unite us,” Inquirer.net posted.

“The first order of business for the Senate in order to do its job is to be able to achieve unity. With my withdrawal, I am hopeful we can help make it happen,” he said.

Earlier this month, Liberal Party (LP) chose Pangilinan as their bet for Senate president but the Senator said “he recognized that he could not secure the 13 votes needed to secure the post, which he attributed to certain "political realities and developments," according to GMAnews.tv.

Enrile factor

Pangilinan’s decision reportedly came after acting Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile announced that “he was willing to keep his post so long as he would be assured of the needed number.”

Some LP senators also “asked Enrile to seek the Senate presidency again because their bet could not get the votes needed to secure the post.” Pangilinan was only assured of votes from fellow LP Senators Franklin Drilon, Teofisto Guingona III, and Ralph Recto. He also claimed to have the support of Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Sergio Osmena III, Francis Escudero, and detained Antonio Trillanes IV.

After Pangilinan’s announcement, Senators Estrada, Gregorio Honasan, and Vicente "Tito" Sotto III declared that they would vote for Enrile should he decide to seek the presidency once more.

At least 13 votes are needed to secure the Senate presidency, but no contender so far appears to be a clear winner.

Enrile became Senate president in November 2008 and held the post until the 14th Congress concluded last June.

Villar to make a comeback?

Losing presidential bet Manny Villar is also eyeing the top Senate seat. Those likely to support him are Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pilar Juliana Cayetano, Joker Arroyo, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Pia Cayetano and Marcos ran under Villar’s Nacionalista Party in the recent polls.

Veteran lawmaker Defensor-Santiago earlier said that Villar is assured of 12 votes for the senate presidency. She added that Villar should be allowed to retake the Senate presidency. She added that contrary to popular opinion, Senate presidents "are always afraid of being overthrown by their supporters who have their own ambitions."

But some key personalities in Villar’s camp reportedly met with Enrile this week to “in a bid to mend fences and secure the Senate presidency for Enrile.

Enrile and Villar have been bitter enemies since last year, when the Senate probed Villar’s alleged involvement in the allegedly anomalous C-5 road extension project.