Aquino, Pangilinan Align with Senate Majority

Hontiveros Joins Minority Bloc on Opening Day

In a significant shift on the opening day of the 20th Congress, senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan have officially joined the Senate majority bloc, a move anticipated by many. Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros has chosen to align with the minority bloc, led by Senator Tito Sotto.

Strategic Alliance Amidst Committee Hopes

The decisions by Aquino and Pangilinan were finalized on Monday, July 28, as the Senate convened for its inaugural session. Both senators had previously been subjects of speculation regarding their bloc affiliations, with reports suggesting their choices were influenced by the desire to secure favorable committee assignments. Aquino had expressed interest in the education committee, while Pangilinan sought the agriculture portfolio.

Historically, majority bloc members are granted priority in selecting committee chairmanships, leaving fewer options for the minority. Addressing supporters who may have favored a united opposition, Pangilinan stated his commitment to remaining “fiercely independent” despite his alignment with the majority.

The public has shown a divided response to their decision. Many had expected Aquino and Pangilinan to form an independent opposition bloc with Senator Hontiveros. However, the two senators have asserted that their position within the majority will not preclude them from fulfilling their oversight duties and acting as fiscalizers within the Senate.

During the 2025 election campaigns, both Aquino and Pangilinan had emphasized their willingness to set politics aside for urgent national issues, a stance that appeared to resonate with voters. Their campaigns culminated in successful comebacks, with Aquino securing the second-highest vote count and Pangilinan finishing fifth.

In contrast, Senator Hontiveros‘s choice to join Senator Tito Sotto‘s minority bloc signals a clear division in the Senate’s early alignments. This development comes as the Philippine Senate navigates its new composition, with political maneuvering and strategic alliances shaping the legislative landscape.

The Senate’s role in scrutinizing government actions is crucial; for instance, the Commission on Audit reported that government agencies returned approximately PHP 23 billion in unused funds in 2023, highlighting the importance of fiscal oversight (Commission on Audit, 2023 Annual Audit Synopsis).