Escudero laughs off Senate coup rumors

Senate President Francis Escudero yesterday laughed off rumors of his possible ouster and a take-over by Sen. Cynthia Villar as his colleagues expressed surprise and dismissed the story outright.

- By CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Escudero, who assumed the Senate presidency last May before Congress went on recess, reaffirmed his focus on ensuring the passage of pending priority bills.

"Haha... I don't comment on rumors," Escudero told Senate reporters when asked about reports suggesting he might be replaced by Villar. "As I always say, it's just a rumor until it happens. Let's focus on our work first."

Escudero succeeded former Juan Miguel Zubiri as Senate president after securing the support of 15 senators. A simple majority of 13 votes are required for a senator to win the chamber's presidency.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito refuted the likelihood of another change in the Senate leadership.

"The Senate is over, we're still messing around," Villar said with a smile when questioned by reporters.