Drilon, Sotto deny knowledge of fresh Senate coup talks

 

"To be very blunt about it, I have no idea on this so-called shake-up," said Sotto, a known ally of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

 

"I am not aware of any shake-up," said Drilon.

 

Sotto and Driloin issued their remarks after talks floated that members of the ruling Liberal Party were trying to drum up the numbers to snag the Senate leadership.

 

Senators who are members of the LP are Drilon, Teofisto Guingona III, Francis Pangilinan, and Ralph Recto.

 

Drilon, who is LP vice chair, insists that LP was "not talking to anyone."

 

"I am not aware of any change of leadership in the Senate, if there is one I am not part of it," he stressed. "I am supportive of the leadership obviously." 

 

For his part, Sotto said he was "sure" that Enrile still enjoys the full support of other senators.

 

"I know for a fact that the [Aquino] administration is very pleased with the leadership in the Senate headed by Sen. Enrile," he said.

 

President Benigno Aquino III is LP national chairman. On the other hand, newly appointed Interior Secretary Mar Roxas is LP president.

 

And despite the persistent talks of a Senate coup, Enrile said he would welcome any move to oust him.

 

"Okay lang, thank you. Thank you dahil napakabigat ng obligasyon ng SP... di ka makapasyal eh," he said in jest.

 

"Siyempre I'm always expecting that.  Everyday I'm expecting to be relieved," Enrile added. This was not the first time that talks have floated concerning a supposed Senate reorganization — the first being in January last year while the most recent one, in July this year. In both instances, no Senate coup actually took place. — RSJ, GMA News