MANILA -- Senator-elect Imee Marcos said Thursday she heard of moves to push for Sen. Cynthia Villar to lead the Senate, as she expressed preference for the local government or social welfare committee chairmanship.

Marcos is among 12 senators elected or reelected last May 13. When the 18th Congress opens in July, they will decide whether or not to retain Senate President Tito Sotto or elect a new leader.

Villar, who topped the senatorial race, is a Nacionalista partymate, Marcos said, alongside Senator-elect Pia Cayetano and incumbent Sen. Ralph Recto.

"I've heard, there's some kind of move to push Sen. Cynthia," Marcos told ANC's Headstart.

Marcos said "it's been asserted" that senators vote on the chamber's leadership independently. "Palagay ko, stick to your party. More importantly, stick to Sen. Cynthia dahil she's been so good to us."

(I think, stick to your party. More importantly, stick to Sen. Villar because she's been good to us.)

Marcos said in jest that during the campaign she was a frequent passenger of "Air Villar."

Sotto said on Wednesday that Marcos was "interested" in the ways and means committee. Marcos said Thursday she might not be a "good choice" for the post because of her "knee-jerk" reaction to raising taxes.

Marcos campaigned on a platform of lowering taxes and fighting inflation. Only one of the government's 4 tax reform packages has been passed so far.

"Malaking problema baka hindi ako bagay doon paano ako magiging sponsor, ako mismo nag-ooppose?" she said.

(It's a big problem. I might not be a good fit. How can I sponsor when I will oppose?)

Marcos said her experience as a governor and youth leader will serve her well as head of the local government committee.