President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday stayed clear of speculations regarding another potential leadership shakeup in the Senate, which has been rocked by recent security and political developments.
Speaking to reporters during an ambush interview in Mandaluyong City following the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” event, the Chief Executive chose not to interfere with the upper chamber’s internal dynamics.
“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see,” Marcos told reporters.
The President’s brief comment follows intense speculation that newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano could face an ouster plot just a week after taking the helm. Cayetano assumed the chamber’s top post on May 11, unseating now-Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in a sudden realignment of power.
Whispers of another coup in the Senate grew louder following a shooting incident inside the Senate complex on May 13. Adding to the tension was the sudden, nocturnal departure of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa from the premises, amid an arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning his role in the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Despite the escalating political friction, Cayetano successfully held onto his position as no challenge materialized during Monday’s plenary session.
The chamber’s power structure solidified further after Senators Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and JV Ejercito formally declared themselves part of the minority bloc. This move effectively left Cayetano in command of a 13-member majority bloc, while the remaining 11 lawmakers form the minority opposition.