Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday described the recent change in Senate leadership as a “temporary setback,” expressing resolve to continue political efforts despite the shift in power in the upper chamber.

“It’s a temporary setback… we didn’t give up in previous battles when the odds were far greater and yet we prevailed. We certainly will not give up now. Para sa bayan. Walang bibitiw. Tuloy lang. Laban!” Pangilinan said in an online statement.

The remarks came a day after senators voted 13-9-2 to install Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President, replacing Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

The motion to elect a new Senate president was introduced by Sen. Imee Marcos during Monday’s session.

Pangilinan said he did not object to the motion but noted he had “serious reservations” about the leadership change.

Following Cayetano’s election, Sen. Loren Legarda was named Senate President Pro Tempore as part of a broader leadership reorganization in the chamber. The nomination was put forward by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and approved during the same session.

Newly elected SP Cayetano, for his part, denied that the leadership change was linked to the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the move was part of internal Senate matters.