Alan Cayetano has been Senate president for less than a week, and already he says someone is trying to remove him.
Speaking at a press briefing Thursday, Cayetano said unnamed individuals are actively working to peel members away from his coalition. “They’re a bit busy right now trying to talk to our members and convince them to join them again,” he said.
When asked point-blank whether he was describing a coup attempt against his leadership, Cayetano did not deny it. “Yeah. That’s expected.”
He described the approach being used against his allies as a mix of outreach and pressure. “There’s an invitation to talk. There’s intimidation, but they were already scared anyway,” Cayetano said.
Despite the reported maneuvering, Cayetano maintained confidence in the 13-member majority bloc backing him, while acknowledging the fragility that comes with Senate coalition politics. “You’re only solid until you’re not. But I believe in the 13. I believe in our cause,” he said.
Cayetano assumed the Senate presidency on Monday, succeeding Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
