Imee: No part in Escudero ouster bid

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Imee Marcos has dismissed as “fake news” allegations of her involvement in a supposed plot to oust Senate President Francis Escudero and replace him with Sen. Cynthia Villar, noting that Congress has only four session days left before it goes on Christmas break.

Marcos questioned the origins of the speculation, reportedly stemming from the House of Representatives, which has received two impeachment cases against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Fake news! They say it’s from Congress? Why?” Marcos said in a Viber message to The STAR.

Earlier, a Pilipino Star Ngayon source said that Villar has the “solid backing” of Marcos, Villar’s son Mark, Cayetano siblings Alan Peter and Pia, Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, Bong Go, Robinhood Padilla, Ramon Revilla Jr., Loren Legarda and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Escudero laughed off rumors of his possible ouster, as he reaffirmed his focus on ensuring the passage of pending priority bills. Escudero assumed the Senate presidency last May, replacing former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri after securing the support of 15 senators.

A simple majority of 13 votes is required for a senator to win the chamber’s presidency.