Who wants Senator Juan Ponce Enrile out of his seat as senate president?
In an interview, Enrile revealed someone other than Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV wants him out of the Senate.
“One or two senators are unhappy about me. But they cannot face me squarely and frontally to accuse me to my face,” Enrile said.
Last month, Trillanes bolted out of majority bloc to join the minority after expressing his loss of confidence in Enrile’s leadership.
In a plenary session, Trillanes publicly disclosed his frustration on Enrile for being a supposed lackey of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“I don’t know who he (the other one) is but he is not important in my life,” Enrile continued, refusing to identify the senator whom he suspects to be behind recurring talks for his ouster.
But Enrile clarified he is not suspecting allies of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in the Senate. He also crossed out Senator Franklin Drilon in his list.
Drilon, who served as senate president in 11th and 12th Congresses during Estrada and Arroyo administrations, has always been named as Enrile's possible replacement.
The veteran senator is the current vice chair of Aquino’s Liberal Party (LP) as well as the campaign manager of administration’s senatorial ticket for May 2013 polls.
“I deny that I am involved in any effort to change Senator Enrile. No such thing. I know where this humor is coming from; it is not from me and I disavow any intention to replace (Enrile),” Drilon said in a separate interview.
Enrile said there is no need to discuss his removal from Senate, emphasizing his willingness to welcome anyone who has the number to replace him.
“I have not been talking to anyone (for their expression of support). There is no need to talk to them. Why should I be talking to them? I respect their decision,” Enrile said.
“I’m not confident (I would be able to finish my term) at all. I’ve been waiting for a long time (since) the moment I sat as senate president. Every day I am waiting for my replacement,” he clarified.
Earlier, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. confirmed discontentment among senators with the how Enrile is handling matters in the Senate.
Enrile meanwhile assured rumors would not distract him from performing his responsibilities as the third most powerful official in the government.
In November 2008, Enrile assumed as senate president following the resignation of Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar due to lack of support.
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Quezon province at around 7 p.m. Wednesday, with shocks felt in many cities in Metro Manila. …
