PNoy endorsing Drilon as next Senate leader?

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III was all praises for Sen. Franklin Drilon during Team PNoy's thanksgiving party on Wednesday night.

In his speech, several observers could not help but speculate that the President is already endorsing the veteran senator as the Senate's next leader in the 16th Congress.

"Kampante naman po tayong maipapaabot sa ating mga kababayan ang mensahe ng Team PNoy at ang mga mabubuting bagay na nagaganap sa ating bansa sa pamumuno ng ating walang kakupas-kupas na campaign manager, the only big man in the Senate, Senator Frank Drilon," Aquino said.

"Bilib na bilib tayo sa ating big man: walang reklamo, kalmadong kalmado at hindi talaga tatawag at mang-aabala ng iba nang walang importanteng dahilan," added Aquino, who also cited Drilon's experience as a senator.

Drilon has refused to presume that he is the best contender for the job, saying he will still "wait for the will" of his fellow senators. He said everyone in the new Senate roster is qualified for the position.

"Every senator is a force to contend with. Every one of them," Drilon said earlier this week. "The 24 Senators have every right to aspire for the Senate Presidency."

Malacañang has insisted that the President will not interfere with the rumored shakeup in the Senate leadership.

"The President has said it is up to the senators to decide who will be their next leader," Deputy Presidential Abigail Valte said earlier this week.

Valte said she has no information if the President will ask allies in the Senate to support Drilon.

The new Senate in the next Congress will be composed of nine senators-elect from the administration-backed Team PNoy.

They are re-elected Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Alan Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes IV, Koko Pimentel and Senate neophytes Grace Poe, Sonny Angara, Bam Aquino, and Cynthia Villar.