Newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano dismissed claims on Monday that the sudden reorganization of the Senate leadership was a strategic move to derail the potential impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Cayetano took the helm of the chamber following a 13-9 vote to vacate all leadership positions, unseating Senator Vicente Sotto III.
The transition occurred just as the House of Representatives moved to impeach the Vice President for the second time with a decisive 255-26 vote.
“Walang katotohanan na magpapalit ng leadership para itigil yung impeachment,” Cayetano stated during his assumption speech.
The leadership shift was spearheaded by a bloc of senators perceived to be allied with the Vice President.
Despite the timing, Cayetano maintained that the reorganization was not a pre-emptive strike against the constitutional process.
“That’s just political talks,” he said, addressing the rumors shortly after being sworn in. “Let’s see what happens. May mga consultations kami with other members.”
The reorganization saw Sotto move to the position of Senate Minority Leader. The shake-up has sparked intense debate among lawmakers and observers, as the Senate is constitutionally mandated to convene as an impeachment court once the articles from the House are formally transmitted.