MANILA, Philippines—The coup rumors swirling since weekend fizzled out when the majority bloc in the Senate prevented it from happening. Senate President Vicente Sotto III secured his position with the help of his blocmates, including Sen. Loren Legarda, who was rumored to replace him.
Asked whether he was able prevent the Senate leadership change, Sotto, in a chance interview, said, "Well, [it was] the majority [which prevented it]. Not me. It's always the majority that decides."
An alleged member of the minority group reportedly dangled the Senate presidency to Legarda but she declined.
After dispensing some pending legislative matters, the Senate went on an hourlong break. When it resumed, it was Legarda who adjourned the session with Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri calling her "Madam president."
When asked later why he called Legarda such, Zubiri said, "Maybe because she's the future president of the Senate. We'll see."
"You know we discussed then all's well that ends well. Our group is more solid than ever now," he said.
Pressed about the reported term sharing deal between Sotto and Legarda, Zubiri said, "in near the future." He did not elaborate.
Asked whether the coup has been aborted, Zubiri said, "we are all one big family."