Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Sunday refuted claims made by Senator Imee Marcos regarding an alleged plot to convene a constituent assembly (con-ass) aimed at derailing Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential presidential run in 2028.
Sotto’s dismissal follows statements from Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who earlier branded Marcos’ allegations as “outright lies.”
“She’s wrong. Ping is right. Never namin pinag-usapan ang con-ass (We never talked about con-ass),” Sotto said in a message to reporters.
The President’s sister had previously claimed that lawmakers held secret hotel meetings to discuss a constituent assembly—one of the three legal frameworks permitted to amend the 1987 Constitution.
While Sotto acknowledged attending a dinner meeting with House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, he clarified that no official constitutional changes were planned or agreed upon.
“In one dinner with some golf friends and Speaker Bojie, he mentioned an idea of suggesting a regional Senate representation. I never said it’s okay. Hindi marunong makinig yun source niya (His source doesn’t know how to listen),” Sotto pointed out.
“Ang sabi ko pa (What I even said was), ‘If ever there is an amendment to the (Constitution), I prefer we lower the age for President and senators.’ It’s simply friendly talk. The eavesdropper had a misconception,” Sotto added.
Marcos has persistently alleged that the newly formed 11-member minority bloc is actively trying to seize control of the Senate leadership due to the high stakes involved.
According to her allegations, the supposed con-ass would also be utilized to extend the term of her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., until 2031.