The Senate has elected Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as its new President, ousting incumbent Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in a leadership shake-up on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Thirteen senators voted in favor of Cayetano, while Sotto received only nine votes. Two lawmakers abstained from the voting during the session.
Rumors of a change in Senate leadership had circulated since early 2026, amid the Senate blue ribbon committee’s investigation into alleged corruption in government flood control projects.
In his acceptance speech, Cayetano dismissed speculation that the leadership change was linked to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Let me make it very clear, there were reports in the news, and I am not blaming you for saying that the change is about impeachment. It is not. The impeachment is enshrined in the Constitution,” Cayetano said.
He added, “Let me make it clear, the impeachment will be much, much more than dismissing a complaint because of political affiliation, and it is also much, much more than convicting someone without evidence. Both are not allowed. We must be guided by truth and evidence, but the process is as important as the result.”
Senator Loren Legarda was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore.
