Three senators of the 24-member upper house on Monday denied being part of a plot to unseat Senate President Francis Escudero.
In separate statements to the media, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Senators Loren Legarda and Cynthia Villar quashed rumors they were out to remove Escudero who was elected to the post only last May.
Escudero refused to comment on the supposed ouster plot, saying that ” the entire Senate leadership serves at the pleasure of the majority.”
“Rumor has it that I will be the replacement as Senate President. That is not true, and I have no intentions. I am startled by the rumors that the Senate President will be replaced. There is no truth to this,” Estrada told reporters in Filipino.
“I do not know where this came from. I was surprised when I was informed there were these kinds of talks,” he added.
Villar told ABS-CBN News that she was “not involved” in the supposed plot.
Meanwhile, Legarda said she had “no idea” about the alleged coup.
“We are focused on our work. Much work to be done,” she said in a text message to the network.
Congress adjourns on Sept. 28 and will resume sessions on Nov. 3, 2024.
Estrada said that “in fairness to the Senate President, we were able to approve many measures before we adjourn next week. We were able to pass nearly all the administration’s legislative agenda.”
“I am supportive of the leadership of Senate President Escudero, and he’s doing a good job,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Estrada denies role in rumored Senate plot to oust Escudero.”
