Speculation is rife in both the Senate and the House of Representatives about a possible “coup” to unseat Senate President Chiz Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Escudero has been dragged into controversy after being linked to a government contractor involved in anomalous flood control projects, while Romualdez is under fire for his role in the controversial crafting of the 2025 national budget.
Reports suggest that some lawmakers have begun to lose confidence in their leadership.
“Confidence in the leadership of Escudero and Romualdez has dipped as a result of the controversy. Lawmakers believe they could’ve handled the issue better,” a source told Politiko.
In the House, Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos and Bacolod City Rep. Albee Benitez are reportedly vying for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s blessing to replace Romualdez as Speaker.
At the Senate, Marcos is said to be backing Minority Leader Tito Sotto for a comeback as Senate President, with insiders saying no one else has his full support.
As of now, both Escudero and Romualdez have yet to issue any comment on the matter.