A leadership coup led by Duterte-aligned senators removed Senator Tito Sotto from the Senate presidency today, May 11, 2026, ahead of the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The 13 Pro-Duterte senators voted one of their own, Senate Minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano, to replace Sotto.
The 13 included Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had not been seen at the Upper House since November of 2025, after rumors surfaced that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had released a warrant for his arrest.
The 13 also counted the following senators: Imee Marcos, Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Camille Villar, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, Francis Escudero, Pia Cayetano, and Loren Legarda.
Nine senators opposed the leadership change: Sotto, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Win Gatchalian, Ping Lacson, Lito Lapid, Erwin Tulfo, and Raffy Tulfo.
Two senators, JV Ejercito and Migz Zubiri, abstained.
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CONTEXT FOR THE COUP
Rumors about today’s coup had already circulated on social media over the weekend, alleging that the move would be attempted to prevent VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to hold the plenary vote for the Articles of Impeachment today.
At press time, the House has impeached Duterte, after 255 members endorsed the complaint.
Now the process will move to the Senate, which is constitutionally mandated to convene as an impeachment court.
Previously, Sotto, as Senate President, had stated that the Senate will immediately continue the process once it receives the articles of impeachment from the Lower House.
The Duterte-alllied senators are expected to be against the impeachment.
Senator Robin Padilla stated on May 4, 2026, that his role as a then member of the Senate minority was to oppose the move.
Senator Marcoleta, for his part, had already accused the House of conducting a fishing expedition when the body released Duterte’s alleged banking records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
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CAYETANO DENIES DUTERTE PROTECTION
Cayetano, meanwhile, denies that today’s coup was a move to protect VP Duterte.
“Hindi ko kayo sinisisi kung sinasabi niyo sa news na ang pagpalit ng leadership ay ukol sa impeachment. Hindi po,” he said in a speech following his election.
He also said that the impeachment is enshrined in the Constitution and the “truth shall set us free,” but did not say if he would support or obstruct the impeachment process.
“Let me make it clear, the impeachment will be much, much more than dismissing a complaint because of political affiliation, and it’s also much much more than convicting someone without evidence.
"Parehong hindi puwede yun. Kailangan guided tayo by the truth, guided by evidence. But the process is as important as the result,” continued Cayetano.
Read: 50% of Filipinos want Duterte accountable as ICC junks release
BATO DELA ROSA’S RETURN
Today’s coup began with a dramatic outburst from Senator Bato, who showed up at the Senate after six months of absence, reportedly because his vote was required for the leadership coup.
Facing threats of arrest from the ICC, the former chief of police showed up surrounded by some hysterics, alleging that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tried to block his entry to the Senate.
He claimed he wrestled with NBI operatives just to make it inside.
“This is the Senate,” he said while banging his fist on a table. “Wala silang respeto sa institusyon ng Senado. Ganun ang NBI!”
Bato also answered allegations about his absence and ongoing salary.
“Kung di ako pumapasok, hinahanap niyo ako, di ba? Ngayon papasok ako, tatanungin niyo ako bakit ako papasok?” Bato shouted.
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