Metro Manila, Philippines – Less than a week after the abrupt leadership change, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said there are efforts from the minority bloc to oust him.
In an interview with reporters on Thursday, May 14, Cayetano accused the minority of persuading majority members to switch sides.
“Expected naman ‘yun eh [That’s expected],” he said, when asked if there’s a “coup” to unseat him.
Cayetano said some majority senators told him that minority lawmakers invited them for talks, with some supposedly issuing intimidations.
He said he believes the 13-member majority will stay: “You’re always solid until you’re not. I believe in our 13. I believe in our cause”
Cayetano unceremoniously replaced Tito Sotto on May 11 with the surprise appearance of Senator Bato dela Rosa – after months of absence – that solidified the majority vote. Dela Rosa has been hiding over a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court.
The sudden leadership change coincided with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte with an overwhelming 257 votes in the House of Representatives.
Cayetano said the majority will not intervene in convening the Impeachment Court. A number of senators from the group are staunch Duterte allies.
Meanwhile, minority Senator Risa Hontiveros said her colleagues would need “time to consider” replacing the existing majority, when asked about the impact of one less majority member should Dela Rosa be arrested.
