MANILA – Sen. Franklin Drilon on Thursday urged incoming senators to first learn how laws are made before gunning for major committees.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier revealed that some incoming senators want to chair the committees held by incumbents.

Drilon, a veteran lawmaker and currently the Senate minority leader, said “tradition and seniority” are always respected in the upper chamber of Congress.

He said tradition dictates that the more senior lawmakers get to retain committee chairmanships.

“Of course, as I've said, it's up to the majority whether or not they follow this tradition,” Drilon told reporters.

“But the incoming senators, maybe they should, as we say, learn the ropes first of how lawmaking in the Senate runs.”

First time senators who were proclaimed in May include former national police chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, former Presidential Political Adviser Francis Tolentino, and President Rodrigo Duterte's former aide Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go.

Dela Rosa wants to lead the public order and dangerous drugs committee chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who readily obliged, said Sotto.

Marcos, on the other hand, is said to be eyeing the ways and means committee, currently chaired by reelected Sen. Sonny Angara.

Go, meanwhile, has declared interest for the health committee, chaired by Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, who failed in his reelection bid.

Tolentino has remained mum about his committees of choice, but his party mate, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, said the neophyte senator has expressed interest in leading at least two of his 6 preferred committees.