Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano raised the alarm on Thursday regarding a fresh campaign to topple his leadership, claiming that the minority bloc has begun aggressive efforts to recruit members of the majority just days after a high-stakes reorganization of the chamber.
Speaking to reporters, Cayetano indicated that the internal struggle for control of the Senate remains volatile following the dramatic removal of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III earlier this week.
“I’d like to consult them (minority bloc) but I’ll only see them on Monday. Medyo busy sila ngayon na trina-try kausapin yung mga miyembro namin na sumali ulit sa kanila.”
The friction comes as the Senate faces heavy criticism over allegations that the recent leadership change was a strategic move to stall impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Despite the pressure, Cayetano appeared unfazed by the reported attempts to unseat him.
“Ano naman, expected naman yun. May invitations to talk, may pananakot, but dati na silang takot eh.”
Maintaining confidence in the alliance that installed him, Cayetano emphasized the strength of his current backers.
“You’re always solid until you’re not. But I believe in the 13, I believe in our cause.”
The political instability is compounded by a deepening security crisis within the institution.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who is currently under Senate protective custody due to an ICC arrest warrant, reportedly managed to slip out of the premises early Thursday. This follows a chaotic shooting incident inside the chamber that has left the Senate in a state of heightened panic and raised serious questions regarding the chamber’s security protocols under the new leadership.