Speculation regarding a possible leadership shake-up within the Philippine Senate has once again captured political attention, with Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III finding himself at the center of renewed rumors about an alleged plan to unseat him from his position.
Unusual Developments Fuel Coup Speculation
Whispers of a potential coup against Sotto began circulating earlier this week, gaining momentum from closed-door discussions among senators and unusual occurrences during recent Senate proceedings. Reports have indicated that certain lawmakers have been quietly exploring alternatives to Sotto's leadership, with Senator Loren Legarda emerging as a frequently mentioned potential successor.
The speculation intensified on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, when Legarda briefly presided over a Senate session. During this unusual moment, Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri addressed her as "Madame President" before moving to adjourn the proceedings, further fueling the political rumors.
Key Figures Deny Leadership Plot
In an ambush interview with reporters following these developments, Senate President Sotto downplayed suggestions of an active attempt to remove him from power. Sotto firmly denied any formal plan to share or relinquish his leadership position, specifically dismissing talk of a "term-sharing" arrangement with Senator Legarda.
"Hindi. Wala, katuwaan lang namin," Sotto told reporters, emphasizing that rumors about leadership turnover were more playful than serious political plotting. In another interview, Sotto maintained that the 15-member majority bloc remains intact and united under his leadership.
Legarda Claims No Knowledge of Plot
Senator Loren Legarda herself has maintained she has no knowledge of any plot to unseat Sotto. In a chance interview, Legarda stated, "I have no idea. That's why I don't like to comment on something that I have no idea of and I was not informed."
She added, "Wala akong ideya. Wala kaming pinag-uusapan pa and don't worry, tatanong ko sa kanya ang katanungan," which translates to "I have no idea. We haven't discussed it yet, and don't worry, I'll ask him the question."
Possible Connection to Blue Ribbon Committee Report
Meanwhile, Senate Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson suggested in a radio interview that the coup rumors might have originated from developments related to the Blue Ribbon Committee's draft report. This report concerns the committee's investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects.
The panel's partial report recommends filing plunder and other criminal charges against several prominent figures, including:
- Senators Francis "Chiz" Escudero
- Senator Joel Villanueva
- Senator Jinggoy Estrada
- Resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co
- Several other individuals
The report also recommends charges against former senator Bong Revilla, former congresswoman Mitch Cajayon Uy, and former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan for plunder, malversation of public funds, and direct bribery related to alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
This partial report requires signatures and approval from at least 11 senators to become an official committee document, adding another layer of political complexity to the current Senate dynamics.
