Senator Erwin Tulfo on Monday shot down rumors of a potential leadership coup even as members of the Senate minority bloc may oppose the convening of the Upper Chamber into an impeachment court for the potential trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“If we oppose (the impeachment trial), do not tell us that we are biased. That is the job of the minority. That is the parliamentary procedure that we must follow. That is what democracy says,” Senator Robin Padilla said.
Padilla, however, denied any plans to challenge the leadership of Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
Sotto said he is ready to address potential opposition from his colleagues.
“We will be ready for anything. We will be ready for any eventuality,” he said.
“I will really be the catalyst… to bring it to the floor. Let’s follow the Constitution, which is to convene once we receive the articles of impeachment. That is part of our job,” Sotto added.
Tulfo, for his part, said Sotto has the confidence of the majority bloc.
“We have a lot of problems. Take fuel, for instance, the prices are just too high. Then there’s healthcare. Food is also very expensive. With everything going on… are we really going to prioritize issues like a change of leadership first?” Tulfo said.
“I think they cannot muster enough votes for that (Senate coup),” he added.
While Padilla suggested a collective effort to block the trial, Senator Imee Marcos clarified the minority has not yet reached a formal agreement on such a strategy.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano a consensus could not be reached yesterday due to the absence of several members.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada voiced his personal opposition to the proceedings: “I would prefer not to. Our country is already in chaos. I’ve said it time and again, I don’t want an impeachment.”
