Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed on Sunday, May 10, that he is aware of a renewed push to unseat him, surfacing just as the House of Representatives prepares to formally vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Reports indicate that the Senate minority bloc, led by Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta, is intensifying efforts to reorganize the chamber’s leadership.
The move is seen as a strategic attempt to prevent the Senate from convening as an impeachment court.
“I heard. As always, I serve at the pleasure of my peers. I uphold and follow the Constitution! I leave everything to God’s plan. I trust HIS Heart!” Sotto told reporters, maintaining that he remains bound by his constitutional mandate.
The minority bloc is reportedly courting majority senators, including siblings Mark and Camille Villar, Senator Pia Cayetano, and Senator Loren Legarda, to secure the 13 votes necessary to install a new Senate President.
Despite these maneuvers, Sotto asserted that the trial process is “automatic” under the law.
“Based on the Constitution, it’s automatic. That’s our job. No matter what others say, what matters is what the Constitution says: when Articles of Impeachment are received, we convene as an impeachment court,” Sotto stated.
The internal power struggle has drawn criticism from other lawmakers. Senator Erwin Tulfo warned that any attempt to block the proceedings would be “halatang-halata” (obvious) to a public eager for accountability.
Senator Win Gatchalian further noted that the Senate cannot simply “sit on a case,” as the Constitution requires them to try the matter forthwith.
As the House is expected to transmit the articles of impeachment on May 11, the Senate leadership remains in a delicate balance, caught between constitutional duty and high-stakes political realignment.