Estrada sees no Senate coup, backs Escudero’s leadership

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Friday downplayed rumors of a looming leadership change in the Senate, expressing confidence that Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero will retain his position.

In an interview, Estrada said that while discussions about possible changes in Senate leadership may occur as the 20th Congress approaches, he believes Escudero will remain as Senate President.

“Everything is still possible, everything is still fluid. We still have one month to talk about things, to negotiate,” Estrada said.

“I’ve been a witness to that, and everything is still fluid, but I’m confident SP Escudero will still retain his position as SP,” he added.

When asked what his basis was for this confidence, Estrada jokingly replied: “Secret.”

He clarified, however, that Malacañang has no hand in his assertion that Escudero will remain as leader of the 24-member Senate.

“None, none. There’s no imprimatur from Malacañang on that,” he said.

Senator-elect Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who previously held the Senate presidency during the Duterte administration, has expressed interest in leading the chamber again. He said at least three to four senators have been encouraging him to run, though he declined to name them.

Estrada, however, said he had not received any communication from Sotto and does not expect to, given his current alignment.

“I don’t think Tito Sen would probably reach out to me, since of course, I’m aligned with SP Chiz — I’m his Pro Tempore, after all,” he said.

When asked if any senator might move to unseat Escudero before the 19th Congress ends, Estrada said, “I don’t think so.”

Estrada also addressed speculation that he could serve as interim Senate President if an ouster pushes through. He firmly denied interest in the role.

“There are speculations that came out in the media — I just read on social media that there are supposedly two senators, and that I’m one of them, being considered as interim Senate President or something like that. I will decline it. That’s not true,” he said.

“I will decline it. Why should I accept it? Give me one good reason why I should take on the role — just to be interim Senate President for one month? What for?” he added.

Senators of the 19th Congress are set to resume work on 2 June, with only six session days remaining before the sine die adjournment on 13 June.

Meanwhile, newly elected senators who made it to the "Magic 12" will officially assume office in July with the opening of the 20th Congress.