‘No change in Senate leadership’

MANILA, Philippines - Team PNoy campaign manager Sen. Franklin Drilon on Sunday denied reports there were plans for him to replace Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in the 16th Congress.

“It’s not true,” Drilon said when asked about the issue on the sidelines of the proclamation rally of local Liberal Party (LP) candidates in Quezon City.

Drilon, who also serves as LP vice chairman, represented President Aquino in the proclamation rally of re-electionist Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte. Team PNoy senatorial bets also attended the event.

In his speech, Brian Poe-Llamanzares – who represented his mother Grace Poe – referred to Drilon as “Senate president.” The senator merely smiled.

Drilon, however, clarified that he is focused on the campaign and not on the Senate leadership.

“The most important thing right now is for our senatorial candidates to win in the elections,” he said.

Earlier, Sen. Sergio Osmeña III revealed the possibility of a change in Senate leadership by July.

He said Drilon – who served as Senate president in 2000, and from 2001 to 2006 – is well qualified to replace Enrile.

Enrile is one of the so-called “three kings” of the United Nationalist Alliance, which is fielding its own senatorial ticket against the administration slate. Other UNA leaders are Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada.

Last year, Drilon denied rumors of a Senate coup to oust Enrile. He also expressed confidence in the leadership of Enrile.