Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Monday brushed aside online rumors suggesting that some senators were plotting to unseat him, saying the Senate majority bloc remains solid behind his leadership.
Sotto said he has neither seen nor heard any indication of dissatisfaction among his colleagues.
“Wala akong nakikita, wala akong narinig na dissatisfaction,” Sotto told reporters.
He acknowledged that some senators might view his leadership as strict, particularly on budget matters.
“Kung tatanungin mo ako, ano bang iniisip ko na maaaring hindi natutuwa ang ilan sa mga kasama? Baka dahil mahigpit ako. Mahigpit ako sa insertion sa budget,” he said.
The Senate leader said he would respect any decision of his colleagues should they choose to reorganize the chamber’s leadership, stressing that Senate posts are held at the pleasure of its members.
Asked if he expected to be replaced during the regular plenary session, Sotto said it was unlikely: “Well, I doubt it.”
Drawing from his long experience in the chamber, Sotto said leadership changes have always depended on the collective will of senators.
“But, you know, sanay ako dito. I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues since the 8th Congress up to now. The Senate leadership has always been that way. Depende sa mga kasama,” he said.
He added that feedback reaching him points to unity within the majority bloc.
“Ang nakakarating sa akin is kinukwento ng mga kasama namin na ‘we’re solid, there’s no problem with the majority.’ Ganun yung naririnig ko,” Sotto said.