Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano claimed there are ongoing efforts from the minority bloc to unseat him less than a week after the dramatic leadership shake-up inside the Senate.
In an interview with reporters on Thursday, May 14, Cayetano said minority senators were allegedly trying to persuade members of the majority bloc to switch sides and support another leadership change.
“Expected naman ’yun,” Cayetano said when asked about reports of another possible Senate coup.
The Senate President claimed some majority senators informed him that minority lawmakers had invited them for discussions, with some allegedly making intimidating remarks.
Despite the reported efforts, Cayetano expressed confidence that the 13-member majority coalition would remain intact.
“You’re always solid until you’re not. I believe in our 13. I believe in our cause,” he said.
Cayetano replaced former Senate President Tito Sotto on May 11 in a surprise leadership overhaul that coincided with the reappearance of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa inside the Senate after months away from public view.
Dela Rosa’s presence reportedly helped solidify the majority vote that installed Cayetano as Senate President.
The senator is currently facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant tied to alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The sudden Senate leadership change also unfolded on the same day the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte with 257 votes.
Cayetano insisted that the majority bloc would not interfere with the Senate’s constitutional duty to convene as an impeachment court despite concerns raised by critics over the close ties between several senators and the Duterte camp.
Meanwhile, minority Senator Risa Hontiveros said discussions about another possible leadership change would require careful consideration among lawmakers.
Hontiveros was asked about the potential impact on the Senate majority should dela Rosa eventually be arrested or become unable to participate in future votes.
The latest developments further highlighted the deepening political tensions inside the Senate amid the ICC controversy and the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte.
