By Jet Antolin
SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday dismissed rumors of an alleged ouster plot against his leadership, stating that “any attempt is called a rumor until it happens.”
Escudero’s response came after media inquiries about the circulating rumors, which were initially fueled by a Senate member who declined to be named. The rumors were further fueled by an interview with Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who denied the allegations.
“Media asked a member of the Senate about this rumor without quoting anyone…They interviewed SP Pro-Tempore Estrada and he denied it. Now the quote coming out to support this rumor is an interview of Senator Jinggoy who denied it. I throw the question back at you, why should I comment on a rumor that the basis of which is a denial of the person you asked about a rumor?” Escudero questioned.
He emphasized the difficulty of addressing every rumor that emerges, stating, “It’s difficult to comment on every rumor that comes out. If you give me a name or a source that I can comment on, then I would answer, but I’ve learned, having been in politics for 24 years, not to comment on any rumor because if it’s proven not to be true and correct, you would be the one left holding the ball.”
On Monday, several senators, including Estrada, had already denied the alleged coup plot. Estrada specifically refuted speculations that he would replace Escudero, stressing that he is “comfortable” with the current Senate leadership.
“There are speculations here in the Senate that I will be the next Senate president. That is not true and I have no intention of being so,” Estrada told reporters. “I’ve been thinking and surprised by the circulating rumors that our Senate President is about to be replaced. There is no truth to that.”
Escudero acknowledged that the current Senate leadership “sits at the pleasure of the majority,” adding, “I serve at their pleasure. It is not a concern, it is a fact of life…It’s a rumor until it happens.”
Escudero replaced Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri as the head of the Upper Chamber in May.
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