Senators debunk oust Chiz rumors

National

SEVERAL senators have dismissed rumors of a plot to oust Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, following reports in a local tabloid suggesting he could be replaced.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito rejected the claims, labeling them as unfounded rumors.

He emphasized that senators are largely satisfied with Escudero’s leadership, pointing to the Senate's productive work and ongoing legislative priorities.

Ejercito also noted that no formal resolution has been presented to him and stressed the difficulty of pursuing leadership changes amid the Senate’s current workload, particularly with bicameral conferences underway.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also denied the allegations, stating that the rumors likely stemmed from a recent write-up.

He added that Escudero’s legal expertise would be valuable if an impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte were to be brought to the Senate.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa similarly dismissed the coup reports, stating he had not heard any discussions about replacing Escudero and that he had no issues with the current leadership.

He emphasized that leadership changes would depend on the majority’s preference, but at present, he saw no reason for a change.

Senator Cynthia Villar, who was reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for Escudero, also denied the claims.

She expressed surprise at the suggestion, remarking that such a move would disrupt the Senate’s work.

The tabloid article published on Monday alleged that Senator Imee Marcos was leading efforts to gather signatures for a leadership change, with 12 senators supposedly backing the resolution.

Among the senators reportedly in favor of replacing Escudero were Alan Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Dela Rosa, Tolentino, Go, Padilla, Revilla, Legarda, Zubiri, and Mark Villar.

However, these claims have been widely refuted by the senators mentioned.(CMM)