Lacson plays down alleged plot ‍to replace Sotto as Senate president

FILE PHOTO: President Vicente Sotto III looks on as Senator Panfilo Lacson speaks. Senate PRIB photo

MANILA, Philippines — Some senators in the majority bloc are reportedly initiating moves to replace Senate President Vicente Sotto III, days after he declared his intention to run for vice president and possibly against President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Saturday.

Lacson declined to identify the majority senator behind the ouster plot but expressed confidence such a move would not get the support of at least 13 senators.

“We were told there were those from among our colleagues who were trying to pass around either a signature campaign, or a draft resolution, probably to check if they have the numbers. I think [the move] has fizzled out,” he said.

“We did our own headcount, and we are confident they cannot get 13 signatures,” Lacson added.

Lacson and Sotto have declared their intention to seek the presidential and vice presidential posts in 2022.

The duo will presumably clash with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and the president, respectively, should they proceed with their plans.

Lacson said Sotto was informed of the resolution as they embarked on their “Tour of Luzon” consultation meetings earlier this month.

The move was supposedly meant to oust Sotto on the morning of July 26, to allow a new Senate president to preside over the upper chamber for Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address.