SEN. Panfilo Lacson on Monday dismissed alleged threats to the Senate leadership, saying it had been a “continuing crime since time immemorial.”
The Senate president pro tempore was reacting to social media posts over the weekend that hinted at a leadership change in the chamber.
The reported threat to the leadership of Senate President Vicente Sotto III supposedly stemmed from “dissatisfaction” on how he runs the affairs of the Senate.
“An emerging threat to the Senate leadership? Let’s put it this way — like rebellion, the threat against the Senate presidency is a ‘continuing crime’ since time immemorial,” Lacson wrote on X.
In October 2025, Lacson dismissed similar talks as an “old rehashed psywar tactic” intended to “confuse and sow intrigue” among members of the majority.
Other senators also downplayed rumors of a possible change in Senate leadership, saying they have not received any indication of dissatisfaction within the chamber.
Sotto said he has not been informed of any unrest among his colleagues, stressing that he continues to receive assurances of support from the majority.
“I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues,” he said.
He also brushed off social media claims about a leadership shift.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo echoed Sotto’s remarks, saying he has not heard of any effort to replace the Senate leadership and sees no urgency for such a move.
“So far, I haven’t heard anything.... It’s quiet,” Tulfo said in a separate interview.
Tulfo added that dissatisfaction is a recurring issue regardless of who sits as Senate president but cautioned against allowing political maneuvering to overshadow legislative priorities.
“You really cannot satisfy everyone.... But let’s also give time to our promises,” he said.
Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito likewise downplayed the coup rumors, saying he has not been approached about any move to change Senate leadership.
“Might be one of the last to be approached, as I am part of leadership as Deputy Majority Leader,” Ejercito said.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano described the talks as speculative, saying discussions on leadership are common but remain inconsequential without the required numbers.
“It’s rumors until it’s there.... But as of today, wala pa ‘yung 13 na ‘yan (It’s rumors until it’s there.... But as of today, those 13 votes are not there),” Cayetano said.
Cayetano said internal political noise should not distract lawmakers from governance and addressing pressing national issues.