'Inday ako e': Padilla open to leadership shift in case of VP Sara's impeachment
By Dhel Nazario
At A Glance
- Senator Robinhood Padilla is open to considering a change in Senate leadership if the issue of impeachment arises, particularly one involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Robinhood Padilla is open to considering a change in Senate leadership if the issue of impeachment arises, particularly one involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Robinhood Padilla (Senate PRIB photo)
In an interview on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Padilla said he currently sees no justification for replacing the Senate President unless leadership changes become relevant to possible impeachment proceedings against Duterte. He openly acknowledged his support for the Vice President and reiterated his opposition to any impeachment move against her.
"Para saan ba? Wala pa naman akong nakikitang dahilan siguro pagka usapan na ng impeachment baka sakali (“What for? I don’t see any reason for it at the moment. Maybe if impeachment becomes the topic of discussion, then perhaps)," he said.
"Inday ako eh, ayoko ng impeachment ni inday (I'm pro-Inday, I'm against her impeachment)," he added.
The senator said he prefers that the Senate President come from the minority bloc and be supportive of Vice President Sara.
Padilla also downplayed persistent rumors of a leadership coup in the Senate, saying such speculation is inevitable and will not go away.
His remarks come amid earlier statements by Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, who confirmed that Senator Loren Legarda had told him she was approached and offered the Senate Presidency, an offer she ultimately declined.