Senate President Sotto Reveals Failed Coup Led by Imee Marcos
Senate President Vicente Sotto III disclosed over the weekend that Senator Imee Marcos spearheaded an unsuccessful attempt to reorganize the Senate leadership, falling short of securing the necessary votes for what he described as a "coup attempt."
The revelation sheds light on the internal dynamics within the upper chamber, where political maneuvering continues to shape legislative proceedings. Sotto's disclosure comes amid ongoing tensions between the majority and minority blocs in the Senate.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
Sotto also hinted at discussions with a senator from the minority bloc regarding a possible transfer to the majority. While he declined to confirm the identity, Senate observers have identified Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go as the individual in question.
"Someone is talking to us," Sotto stated, maintaining discretion about the ongoing negotiations. "I can't answer that with a yes because for all you know, they're just approaching us for talks."
The minority bloc consists of nine senators, including former Senate President Francis Escudero, former Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ronald dela Rosa.
Numbers Game in the Senate
During an online press conference, Sotto provided details about the attempted leadership change, clarifying that Go was not among those who signed the resolution for the reorganization move. The Senate President expressed doubt that the minority secured the required 13 votes to unseat him.
"They would have come to my office or gotten in touch with me and showed me," Sotto explained. "Because that's the easiest thing to do. But no, they went to the office of Sen. Loren Legarda. So they didn't have the numbers."
The majority bloc maintains control with 15 senators, including independent Senator Miguel Zubiri, who currently serves as Senate majority leader.
Triggers for the Reorganization Attempt
Sotto identified two potential catalysts for the failed coup attempt. The primary trigger, he suggested, was the "removal of Sen. Imee Marcos from the committee on foreign relations." Despite this setback, Zubiri offered Marcos the chairmanship of the constitutional amendments panel, which she declined.
The second possible trigger involves the draft report of the blue ribbon committee concerning the flood control corruption scandal. Sotto confirmed possession of the committee report on anomalous flood control projects but emphasized that it remains unofficial until approved by the Senate plenary.
Corruption Investigation Implications
The blue ribbon committee, headed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, has prepared a report recommending charges against several high-profile senators, including former Senate President Francis Escudero and senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva.
"It's a draft and therefore not official," Sotto clarified. "If the other committee members have not even read or seen it, it cannot be made public. Maybe that's one of the reasons why those mentioned there suddenly became agitated."
The failed reorganization attempt highlights the continuing political tensions within the Senate as various factions navigate complex alliances and competing interests in the current legislative landscape.