Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was sworn in as the new Senate President on Monday, May 11, 2026, after securing 13 votes against nine for incumbent Vicente “Tito” Sotto III during the session. Two lawmakers abstained.
Voting Results
Those who voted to remove Sotto included Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Robin Padilla, Bong Go, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Loren Legarda, Mark Villar, and Camille Villar. Voting against the motion were Sotto, Ping Lacson, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Lito Lapid. Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and JV Ejercito abstained.
Background and Denials
Rumors of a leadership change emerged earlier this year amid the Senate blue ribbon committee's investigation into corruption allegations linked to national flood control projects. In his speech, Cayetano denied that the change was related to the ongoing impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte. “Let me make it very clear, there were reports in the news, and I am not blaming you for saying in the news that the change is about the impeachment, but it is not; impeachment is enshrined in the Constitution,” he said. He emphasized that the impeachment process must be guided by truth and evidence.
Cayetano praised Sotto as a “statesman” despite past political differences. Sotto had led the Senate since September 8, 2025. Following the change, Senator Loren Legarda was elected Senate president pro tempore.
