Senators Bong Go and Robinhood Padilla on Monday stated they will not leave the Senate minority bloc amid speculation about some lawmakers potentially switching to the majority. Before the Senate adjourned, Go and Padilla posed together, making the signature fist bump associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte, while holding a sign that read: 'We are the Duterte bloc.' Rudolf Philip Jurado confirmed that the senator will remain in the minority bloc led by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano. Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III earlier mentioned there had been talk about Go, Padilla, and Senator Imee Marcos possibly joining the majority bloc, but clarified there were no official discussions on such a move. Sotto noted the remarks were made jokingly and emphasized the Senate's independence in decision-making. Senator Erwin Tulfo officially assumed the chairmanship of the foreign relations committee last week after replacing Marcos. 'Join us!' Go wrote in a Facebook post, stating they remain a 'solid Duterte bloc,' referring to himself, Padilla, and Senator Ronald dela Rosa. He added that even if only the three of them remain, they will continue to prioritize work and public service over politics. The post included a video showing Go writing the message before posing with Padilla. Sotto also previously stated that the Senate majority bloc had thwarted an alleged coup attempt supposedly initiated by minority members.
