Solid Bloc: Duterte Allies Eye Senate Power Play
2 min read
MAY 14,2025
MANILA, Philippines — A new power bloc may soon reshape the dynamics of the 20th Congress. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has confirmed that key allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte are set to form a “solid Duterte bloc” in the Senate — a move that could heavily influence legislation in the coming years.
In an interview with Net 25, Dela Rosa remained noncommittal on whether the bloc would align with the Senate majority or join the opposition, saying, “I don’t know. Everything can be discussed. We’ll see what develops once the 20th Congress convenes. We’ll see if our views align. That can be talked about.”
However, he made one thing clear: the bloc intends to stand united.
“As for us, we will form a solid bloc — Sen. Bong Go, myself, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Sen. Imee [Marcos], if Camille Villar joins us, and Robin Padilla. The six of us who will be entering the 20th Congress — I hope that we will remain a solid bloc,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino.
Solid Bloc: Bong Go Leads the Pack
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a long-time Duterte aide, currently leads the senatorial race based on the latest Comelec tally. Dela Rosa and Marcoleta also enjoy strong positions, landing in the third and fifth spots respectively. All three ran under a senatorial ticket endorsed by former President Duterte, further cementing their alignment.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos and Camille Villar, who initially ran under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, were later adopted as guest candidates by the Duterte camp. Both have expressed openness to working with the former president’s circle.
Solid Bloc: Possibility of Joining the Majority Bloc
When asked if the Duterte bloc would join the Senate majority, Dela Rosa hinted at future negotiations and alliances.
“That will depend on what we discuss. It’s also possible for us — the Duterte bloc — to come to an understanding with other existing or incumbent senators, and we might form what we can call a majority bloc. That’s also possible,” he said.
READ MORE: Mayoral Race of Rodrigo Duterte: Despite ICC Detention
What About the Minority?
Currently, the Senate minority consists of Senators Koko Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros. But Pimentel’s term ends on June 30, and his attempt to shift to the House of Representatives as a representative of Marikina’s first district is uncertain. The latest vote count shows him trailing incumbent Mayor Marcy Teodoro, although Teodoro’s proclamation has been suspended due to ongoing disqualification cases — including one filed by Pimentel himself, challenging Teodoro’s eligibility due to a district transfer issue. NOWTREND
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