Senate President denies ‘Oust Kiko’ rumors

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate leadership on Wednesday played down rumors that opposition Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was set to be replaced as chair of the constitutional amendments committee, allegedly as part of a move to revise the 1987 Constitution.

The hashtag #OustKiko became the top trending topic on social media after young netizens started commenting on it following a series of tweets by Pangilinan’s daughter, Frankie, divulging the supposed plot.

“I have never heard of such,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said in a Viber message. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto also said he was “not aware of any” attempt to unseat Pangilinan.

—Marlon Ramos