Malacañang said President Marcos would respect whatever decision senators make if reports of a leadership coup against Senate President Francis Escudero materialize, stressing that the choice of leader rests solely with the upper chamber.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the President’s state visit to Cambodia, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro was visibly shocked by the sudden development. She said she would ask the President about his reaction if a leadership change happens.

“Ngayon na? Parang—sorry, parang—I’m shocked. Wala akong maibibigay ngayon. Ipagpaumanhin niyo (Now? Sorry, I’m shocked. I cannot give anything right now. Please forgive me),” she told reporters in Phnom Penh.

Despite this, the Palace official said Marcos has consistently taken a hands-off stance on the Senate’s internal affairs.

“Sabi nga ng Pangulo, hindi naman siya maaaring makialam kung ano ang gusto ng mga senador, kung sino ang gusto nilang mamuno doon (The President has said he cannot interfere with the senators’ choice of who should lead them),” she said.

“Yun naman ay kanilang pagpili, kumbaga choice nila ‘yan (That is their decision, their choice),” she added.

Castro added that whoever emerges as Senate president would be recognized by the Executive.

“Kung sino man ang mapipili ngayon ng mga senador bilang kanilang leader o president, susuportahan naman ‘yon ng Pangulo (Whoever the senators elect as their leader or president, the President will support that),” she said.

Asked if a change in leadership could cause political instability, given the controversies surrounding flood control projects, Castro said transitions have occurred before without disruption.

“Marami na ring naganap na pagpapalit ng liderato at hindi naman nagkaroon ng problema (There have been several leadership changes in the past, and no problem happened),” she said.

“Tinanggap naman ng mga miyembro kung ano ang naging desisyon nila (Members accepted whatever decision was made),” she added.