Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has clarified that while rumors of another leadership shift swirl within the chamber, the minority bloc is not actively campaigning for it. However, he stressed that the possibility of a change is never off the table.
“The minority wants to be the majority, [but] the majority never wants to be the minority,” Cayetano told GMA News Online, pointing out that the current leadership is still relatively new and intact.
He noted that no serious discussions have taken place within the minority about replacing the Senate President. “Hindi pa namin napag-uusapan sa minority na kung meron mang papalit, sino,” he said, adding that they had only recently agreed on his leadership as minority head.
Addressing reports of dissatisfaction within the majority bloc, Cayetano said it was their internal issue. “Kung may discontent sa 15 [senador], problema nila ‘yun, hindi namin problema ‘yun,” he said, further alleging that it was the same group who “plotted” Senator Chiz Escudero’s ouster even before the election.
He then directed a firm message to the current majority led by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III: “Mind your own business.” He added, “Wag niyong pakialaman ang minority, pakialaman niyo ang sarili niyong mga problema.”
Asked directly if the minority is orchestrating a coup, Cayetano replied, “There is always a possibility,” but denied any current coordination with majority senators. “Ni isang senador na majority, wala akong kinausap,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, Senate President Sotto downplayed the rumors, asserting the majority bloc’s unity remains solid. “We serve at the pleasure of our colleagues,” he said. “If there are majority from the Senate who want a different Senate President, what can we do? So be it.”
