Senate Shakeup: Tito Sotto Out, Alan Cayetano Takes Over Amid Sara Trial Buzz
Alan Peter Cayetano replaced Tito Sotto as Senate President in a surprise leadership shakeup as the Sara Duterte impeachment fight looms.
A surprise Senate leadership shakeup hit Manila on Monday as Senate President Tito Sotto was ousted and Alan Peter Cayetano was elected to take over the chamber.
According to Philstar.com, 13 senators backed the move to install Cayetano, while nine voted for Sotto and two senators abstained. Senator Imee Marcos nominated Cayetano, and Senator Camille Villar administered his oath.
The switch happened as the House of Representatives was moving toward a critical vote on the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, making the Senate change instantly political kahit sinabi ni Cayetano na hindi impeachment ang dahilan.
Cayetano said in his first remarks that impeachment is protected under the Constitution, but warned against using it as a shortcut to remove political rivals. He also said the Senate itself is “on trial” as it faces major national issues.
The leadership coup also marked the return of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to the Senate after months away from public view. The timing matters because the Senate is expected to handle any impeachment trial against Duterte, and Cayetano will now lead the chamber as the process moves forward. Source: Philstar.com
