Manila: Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected Senate President on Monday after a majority of senators voted to declare all leadership positions in the chamber vacant and supported a leadership change, ending the tenure of Senator Vicente Sotto III. Thirteen senators voted in favor of the motion to change the chamber's leadership, while 10 voted against it.

According to Philippines News Agency, those who voted "Yes" for a leadership change were Cayetano, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, Senator Robinhood Padilla, Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Camille Villar, Senator Mark Villar, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Senator Joel Villanueva, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Senator Francis Escudero. Senators who abstained were JV Ejercito and Juan Miguel Zubiri, while those who voted "No" included Vicente Sotto III, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Lito Lapid, Raffy Tulfo, Erwin Tulfo, and Sherwin Gatchalian.

The leadership shakeup unfolded amid ongoing efforts in the House of Representatives to push the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, an issue expected to eventually reach the Senate for trial if the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted. Before the vote, Cayetano informed the chamber that at least 13 senators were seeking a leadership transition and disclosed that Senator Ronald dela Rosa was already inside the Senate building and would be arriving at the session hall.

Dela Rosa's appearance drew attention after he had largely stayed away from the Senate since late last year following reports of an alleged International Criminal Court arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration's anti-illegal drugs campaign. 'I kindly inform and apologize to the Senate President that for security reasons I could not go up to you earlier to ask you and tell you this way,' Cayetano said during session proceedings. 'But I give you all my respect and ask for an orderly transition in accordance with our rule."

Cayetano thanked Sotto for his leadership and described him as a statesman despite their past political differences in the chamber. 'You've always been a statesman, at least to me,' he said. Sotto had served as Senate President of the 20th Congress since Sept. 8, 2025.