Senate Leadership Confirmed Stable Amid False Reports of Change

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson publicly rejected circulating reports claiming a leadership change within the Senate. He described such claims as deliberate attempts to "deceive and confuse" and an underestimation of the Senate majority bloc's discernment. Lacson stated, "Fake. Intended to deceive and confuse. Underestimating the intelligence of the new Senate majority bloc, fearing that someone will jump and sign." Adding to his remarks, he likened the misinformation to a "malicious and desperate" tactic, referring to the falsehood as "Faky Breaky News."

These statements were made following a Facebook post impersonating a media outlet that alleged Senator Alan Peter Cayetano had garnered sufficient support to become Senate President. Lacson emphasized the proper protocol, saying, "The appropriate and professional process is to notify the sitting Senate President and present a resolution endorsed by at least 13 senators before any resignation takes place during the session opening — not through media announcements, regardless of their prominence."

On Monday, Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III was officially reinstated as Senate President, replacing Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero. The change occurred after Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri moved in plenary to declare the Senate Presidency vacant, a motion approved by Escudero. Zubiri then nominated Sotto, praising him as a "leader of great integrity," a nomination seconded by Senator Loren Legarda.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also weighed in, affirming that no major leadership overhaul had taken place. In a radio interview, he stated, "There is no change in leadership; we have merely appointed a new Senate President. The majority prioritizes stability amid current national challenges." Gatchalian suggested that recent controversy relating to alleged anomalies in flood control projects might have influenced Senate dynamics. Two senators, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, were implicated by a former government engineer but have firmly denied the accusations.

He further underscored the need for "stable leadership to properly investigate these matters."

Meanwhile, Senator Cayetano, representing the minority bloc, expressed cautious support for an independent commission investigating ghost flood control projects. He stressed that any endorsement would depend on the commission’s independence from political interests and business influences, noting that the minority group would deliberate internally before deciding on a formal stance.

The Senate leadership thus remains steady as the chamber continues to address pressing national issues.