Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has reiterated his full support for his longtime friend and ally, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, amid speculation that a Senate leadership shake-up is being planned.
In a radio interview, Lacson made clear his stance in favor of Sotto’s leadership.
“Kung ako tatanungin, patuloy yung support ko sa kanya,” he said.
His statement came following reports that the minority bloc, led by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, was allegedly plotting a coup to unseat Sotto from the chamber’s top post.
Lacson said that while such moves are part of Senate dynamics, Sotto’s removal would only be possible if Cayetano’s group secures the majority vote.
“Ngayon, kung sa pananaw ng aking mga kasamahan nagkukulang din siya sa leadership, eh lagi naman ganyan sa Senate, kung sino mayroong majority, kung sino may at least 13 ay puwede tanggalin ang nakaupo at palitan kung sino man mayroong 13,” Lacson explained.
Lacson and Sotto have long been political allies. The two ran together in the 2022 national elections as presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively, though both were unsuccessful in their bids.
They once again teamed up for the 2025 midterm senatorial elections, running under the “Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas” coalition led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.