MANILA — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the 11-member minority bloc in the Senate is pushing for a leadership change anchored solely on what he described as a “fresh start” for the chamber, dismissing speculation linking the move to other political agendas.

Lacson stressed that the group’s initiative is focused on restoring confidence in the Senate and is not connected to any effort to amend the Constitution or influence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Sa amin, ang primary or main concern naming 11, ibangon ang Senado. Wala kaming pinaguusapang kailangan palitan natin ng liderato para maitulak natin ng Con-ass, palitan natin ng liderato para ang impeachment mag-convict, wala kami ganun usapan (Our primary or main concern is to restore the Senate’s integrity. We never discussed anything else – not Con-ass, not the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte),” he said in an interview on DZBB radio.

He added that the bloc’s goal is to reset the Senate leadership and support what he called a more unifying figure for the chamber.

“Yan lang ang mismong pinaguusapan namin na sana pagpalit tayo ng liderato, maibangon namin, magkaroon kami ng fresh start. Kaya napili namin si Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. At least fresh face at wala siyang kaaway sabihin na natin (We in the minority bloc agreed that our reason for seeking a leadership change is to give the Senate a fresh start. That is why we rally behind Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, he is a fresh face and has no ‘enemies’ among senators),” he added.

Lacson said each member of the minority bloc is currently working to secure additional support from fellow senators, although he emphasized that their backing for Senator Sherwin Gatchalian remains non-negotiable.

He also described the minority bloc as being in a transition phase, saying senior lawmakers are prepared to guide newer members of the chamber.

“When the minority bloc holds a caucus, I refer to Sotto and myself as the Council of Elders. We don’t aspire to attain positions in the Senate but we are willing to share our personal and professional experiences, drawing from our long years here,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview on DWIZ radio.

“I believe we can contribute. This is a transition period leading to the next generation of senators. So what we can contribute to guide the new generation that will lead the Senate and the country, we are willing to help,” he added.

Earlier, Lacson said the bloc is rallying behind Gatchalian for Senate President if they secure enough numbers, noting that even a minimal shift in support could influence Senate decisions.