Former Senate President Franklin Drilon said recent moves to unseat Senate leaders were fueled by political maneuvering tied to the 2028 elections and the impeachment issue involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a television interview, Drilon cited how the Senate handled the impeachment complaint transmitted by the House, noting that then-Senate President Chiz Escudero did not immediately act on it despite the Constitution’s use of the word “forthwith.”
Escudero is known to be allied with Duterte.
“Yung trial in an impeachment case talaga pong makakabigat yun sa kampanya ni Vice President Sara Duterte,” Drilon said, adding that the delay appeared to be part of a broader political strategy.
The impeachment effort was later stopped after the Supreme Court ruled in July 2025 that the articles violated the one-year bar rule.
In September, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto took over as Senate President, promising to promptly convene hearings if new impeachment complaints were filed.
Drilon said the shift in leadership and differing approaches reflected how the 2028 elections have shaped Senate decisions. He also raised concerns over instability in the chamber, noting that Sotto currently has the backing of only 14 senators, including Senator Pia Cayetano.
“Ang nagmamaniobra ng pagpapalit ng leadership si (Senate Minority Leader) Alan Peter Cayetano,” Drilon claimed, alleging that the minority bloc attempted twice last week to remove Sotto following new impeachment complaints against the Vice President.
The Cayetano siblings are allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, father of the Vice President, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Drilon warned that the Senate leadership now faces continuing political uncertainty, requiring constant effort to maintain majority support.