This was bared on Monday by sources who declined to be identified. Efforts, however, to get the side of Kris proved futile. Her phone could not be reached while she did not respond to text queries.

Pangilinan, a Liberal Party stalwart, is up against LP colleague Senator-elect and former Senate President Franklin Drilon and Nacionalista Party president Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.

The celebrity actress is said to have firmed up the commitment of three senators – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

According to the source, Kris promised Lapid and Revilla that their committee chairmanships will be retained under Pangilinan’s watch.

Lapid is currently handling the Committee on Sports, Games, and Amusement, while Revilla is chairman of the Committees on Public Services and Public Works.

Aquino reportedly promised Estrada that he will remain Senate President Pro Tempore under a Pangilinan-led Senate.

The source also confirmed that Aquino’s sister is also calling up Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri to solicit support.

But the same source said, Zubiri would not give his commitment, saying he is waiting for Sen. Edgardo Angara to arrive back from a business trip in Moscow.

Angara’s bloc, consisting of Zubiri, Lapid, Revilla, and Sen. Loren Legarda, reportedly agreed to vote as a one and therefore is regarded to have the power to deliver the “swing vote” in the selection of the next Senate President.