MANILA – Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito disclosed that Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano offered him the position of Senate Majority Leader, but he turned it down, choosing instead to remain independent.

In a media report, Ejercito made the clarification as senators underwent another round of reorganization under the new Senate leadership.

“I thank Mr. [Senate] President for the trust and confidence. I was offered to become Majority Leader, but as of this time, I would rather remain independent,” Ejercito said during Monday’s plenary session ahead of the convening of the Senate impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Thank you for the trust. Being a Majority Leader is one of the most powerful positions in the Senate,” he added.

Cayetano was elected Senate President on May 11 after securing 13 votes, including that of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had resurfaced at the Senate after months of absence to participate in the leadership vote.

Dela Rosa’s appearance came amid reports of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant linked to alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

During the same session, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri also signified his intention to join the minority bloc, led by Sen. Vicente Sotto III, who was earlier unseated as Senate President.

With the latest alignment, the Senate is composed of 13 members in the majority bloc, 10 in the minority, and Ejercito as an independent.

Sotto’s removal occurred shortly before the House of Representatives proceeded with impeachment developments against Vice President Sara Duterte.