Senators dismiss leadership change rumors

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Senate President Vicente Sotto III (Senate of the Philippines/facebook)

MANILA – Senators on Monday downplayed rumors of a possible change in Senate leadership, saying they have not received any indication of dissatisfaction within the chamber.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he has not been informed of any unrest among his colleagues, stressing that he continues to receive assurances of support from the majority.

“Wala akong naririnig dissatisfaction… ang nakakarating lang sa akin is kinukuwento ng mga kasama naming na we’re solid and there’s no problem with the majority (I am not hearing any dissatisfaction… what reaches me is that colleagues are saying we are solid and there is no problem with the majority),” Sotto said in an interview.

Asked about talk of a possible leadership change, Sotto said he doubts it but noted that the Senate leadership has always depended on the confidence of members.

“I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues… depende sa mga kasama (I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues… it depends on the colleagues),” he said.

He also brushed off social media claims about a leadership shift, saying, there is the most fake news on social media.

Senator Erwin Tulfo echoed Sotto’s remarks, saying he has not heard of any effort to replace the Senate leadership and sees no urgency for such a move.

“So far, over the weekend, wala akong naririnig… Tahimik. It’s quiet (So far, over the weekend, I haven’t heard anything… It’s quiet),” Tulfo said in a separate interview.

Tulfo added that dissatisfaction is a recurring issue regardless of who sits as Senate president but cautioned against allowing political maneuvering to overshadow legislative priorities.

“Hindi mo naman talaga ma-satisfy lahat ng tao… Pero let’s also give time dito sa mga promises (You really cannot satisfy everyone… But let’s also give time to our promises),” he said.

Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito likewise downplayed the coup rumors, saying he has not been approached about any move to change Senate leadership.

“Might be one of the last to be approached as I am part of leadership as Deputy Majority Leader,” Ejercito said.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano described the talks as speculative, saying discussions on leadership are common but remain inconsequential without the required numbers.

“It’s rumors until it’s there… But as of today, wala pa ‘yung 13 na ‘yan (It’s rumors until it’s there… But as of today, those 13 votes are not there),” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said internal political noise should not distract lawmakers from governance and addressing pressing national issues.