PH Senate coup: Alan Peter Cayetano replaces Tito Sotto as Senate President

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has been elected as the new Senate President, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

This follows a Senate coup where 13 senators voted to declare all leadership positions vacant, while 10 senators voted against the motion.

Cayetano replaces Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, who had been serving as Senate President since September 8, 2025 after replacing Senator Francis Escudero.

According to the PNA, the leadership shakeup occurred as the House of Representatives continues to pursue the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

If the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted, the matter is expected to reach the Senate for trial.

Before the vote, Cayetano informed the chamber that at least 13 senators were seeking a leadership transition, the PNA said.

He also noted that Senator Ronald dela Rosa was inside the Senate building and would be arriving at the session hall shortly.

Dela Rosa’s appearance at the Senate drew significant interest as he had largely stayed away from the Senate since late last year following reports of an alleged International Criminal Court arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“I kindly inform and apologize to the Senate President that for security reasons I could not go up to you earlier to ask you and tell you this way,” Cayetano said during session proceedings. “But I give you all my respect and ask for an orderly transition in accordance with our rule."

Cayetano expressed his gratitude to Sotto for his leadership. Despite their past political differences in the chamber, Cayetano said he always regarded Sotto as a statesman.

"You’ve always been a statesman, at least to me," Cayetano said.

-Veronica Pulumbarit/Paraluman News