Cayetano denies Senate coup

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday denied rumors that the minority bloc is actively seeking to unseat Senate President Vicente Sotto III, saying there are no ongoing efforts or signature drives to change the chamber’s leadership.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

At a press conference, Cayetano said the Senate minority was not actively courting members of the majority to consolidate votes for anew leadership.

“There is no active courting in the sense. Even when Sen. (Panfilo) Lacson first revealed that (almost all senators of the 19th Congress had budget insertions), I can tell you, I am not talking to anybody (about a coup),” Cayetano said.

He said he recently spoke with Sotto over the phone and assured him that the minority bloc remains steady in its role.

Cayetano said no leadership changes should be expected tomorrow or when the chamber resumes session to adjourn for a month-long recess.