Senate shrugs off Kumoi’s complaints

Members of the Senate brushed aside yesterday criticisms leveled by newly-elected Sen. Ramon “Kumoi” S. Guerrero over selection of new leaders of the chamber when the 12th Legislature convenes in January.

The decision to keep the status quo was reached in a recent caucus through an understanding among the current members of the upper house — an agreement that is not binding, according to Senate President Paul A. Manglona.

“There is no official action so I hope the senator-elect will keep this in mind and I have every confidence that we can work together in January in the organizational session,” he told reporters.

Senators will hold a meeting immediately after the inaugural session on the second week of January to choose composition of the leadership as well as chairmanship in the eight committees.

Based on the memorandum of understanding signed by seven senators, Manglona will retain the presidency, while Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez and Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes will also remain in their respective positions.

There is no major changes in the makeup of the committees, although it is now up to the designated chairman to choose his members. While it is not yet final, the leadership is not expected to reshuffle come January.

But Guerrero, who won over incumbent Sen. Juan P. “Morgen” Tenorio in the Nov. 6 midterm elections, expressed his dismay in a television interview over the decision, noting that he was not at least informed of the caucus.

The Reform Party candidate will be one of two minority members in the forthcoming nine-member chamber. Tinian Sen. David M. Cing, who is Democrat, has been selected to chair the Federal and Independent Agencies Committee.

Reyes, in a separate interview, maintained it is all up to the majority party — in this case, the Republicans — to decide on this matter.

“Will the majority members of the winning party ask the minority who [will] be the speaker or the president?” he asked. “Without having to mean any disrespect to Ray, he’s entitled to his own opinion.”

He also questioned the need to invite Guerrero to the caucus, saying majority members even in the U.S. Congress are the ones who have the decision power on leadership positions.

“If we informed him as a [matter of] courtesy, how would that affect the decision of the majority? And if we were to do that, then he would say that we didn’t listen to what he has to say about the situation,” Reyes pointed out.

Manglona, however, expressed optimism to foster a cooperative relationship with Guerrero. “I hope he will participate just as much as the other members in working together for the people,” he said.