Oust-Chiz rumors swirl in Senate

MANILA, Philippines — Barely four months after a Senate leadership change, rumors are circulating of another coup to oust Senate President Francis Escudero.

Sought for comment, Escudero smiled at Senate reporters and said, “I already answered.”

Rumors of a coup against him began floating two weeks ago.

“The officers of the Senate, including the Senate president, serve at the pleasure of the majority. They can be changed at any time in plenary,” Escudero had said.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has admitted that he heard about an attempt to oust Escudero two weeks ago but it did not succeed.

Estrada denied any knowledge about the alleged coup, saying he was comfortable with his present position – the second highest in the Senate.

“Speculations that I will take over as Senate president are not true. I have no plans. I am surprised by rumors that our Senate President is about to be replaced. It is not true,” Estrada said.

Before Escudero took office in May, Estrada’s name cropped up as the possible replacement of then-Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Estrada said he is satisfied with Escudero’s leadership.

The 19th Congress will close in just a few months, Estrada noted, hence he is not in favor of replacing Escudero.

Congress is set to go on recess on Sept. 27, but the Senate traditionally holds plenary sessions until Wednesday only.

Aside from Estrada, Senators Cynthia Villar and Loren Legarda were also floated to replace Escudero, but both have denied the rumors.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said there was no coup.