Cayetano takes Senate helm amid VP Sara impeachment backdrop

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

New Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano (left) greets his predecessor, Senator Vicente Sotto III, after he was voted by 13 of their colleagues on Monday (May 11, 2026). (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected Senate President on Monday after a majority of senators voted to declare all leadership positions in the chamber vacant and supported a leadership change, ending the tenure of Senator Vicente Sotto III.

Thirteen senators voted in favor of the motion to change the chamber’s leadership, while 10 voted against it.

Those who voted “Yes” for a leadership change were Cayetano; Senator Pia Cayetano; Senator Rodante Marcoleta; Senator Christopher Lawrence Go; Senator Robinhood Padilla; Senator Loren Legarda; Senator Imee Marcos; Senator Camille Villar; Senator Mark Villar; Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa; Senator Joel Villanueva; Senator Jinggoy Estrada; Senator Francis Escudero.

Those who abstained were Senator JV Ejercito and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri while those who voted “No” were Senator Vicente Sotto III; Senator Panfilo Lacson; Senator Francis Pangilinan; Senator Risa Hontiveros; Senator Bam Aquino; Senator Lito Lapid; Senator Raffy Tulfo; Senator Erwin Tulfo; and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

The leadership shakeup unfolded amid ongoing efforts in the House of Representatives to push the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, an issue expected to eventually reach the Senate for trial if the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted.

Before the vote, Cayetano informed the chamber that at least 13 senators were seeking a leadership transition and disclosed that Senator Ronald dela Rosa was already inside the Senate building and would be arriving at the session hall.

Dela Rosa’s appearance drew attention after he had largely stayed away from the Senate since late last year following reports of an alleged International Criminal Court arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“I kindly inform and apologize to the Senate President that for security reasons I could not go up to you earlier to ask you and tell you this way,” Cayetano said during session proceedings.

“But I give you all my respect and ask for an orderly transition in accordance with our rule.”

Cayetano thanked Sotto for his leadership and described him as a statesman despite their past political differences in the chamber.

“You’ve always been a statesman, at least to me,” he said.

Sotto had served as Senate President of the 20th Congress since Sept. 8, 2025.