It’s only a rumor until it becomes a reality.

This, according to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, is how he dismiss reports of a rumored attempt to oust him.

“If it’s a rumor it didn’t happen. If it happens then it becomes a reality. But for the meantime, it’s a rumor,” Escudero told reporters in an ambush interview.

“You cannot expect me to comment on a rumor,” the Senate chief pointed out when asked to confirm the allegations.

Last Monday, September 23, rumors of a Senate coup surfaced anew after Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada dismissed speculations Escudero would be replaced as head of the Upper Chamber.

Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also said they have not received any report or resolution pertaining to a change in Senate leadership.

But Estrada confirmed there is an attempt to unseat Escudero, but the supposed plan fizzled out.

Escudero said he has already a learned, from his 23 years experience in Congress, that ouster plots are a norm.

“Again, it is a rumor until it becomes a reality and I have learned from my 23 years in Congress. The leadership of the House, or of the Senate, in the case of the Senate, the President, the Senate President Pro Tempore, Majority Leader and chairpersons of the various committees serve at the pleasure of the majority,” Escudero pointed out.

“We will remain here until we enjoy the confidence of the majority. It is that simple,” he stressed.

“(That’s) part of life. Again, we serve at the pleasure. At any point in time that we have sessions, the leadership can be changed once they lose the confidence of the majority as what happened when Senate President Migz (Zubiri) was replaced. Ganun lang naman talaga yun,” he said.

Last May, Escudero took over from Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri as Senate President after he convinced 15 of his colleagues to sign a statement calling for a change in leadership.