MANILA — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected Senate President on Monday after a majority of senators voted to declare all leadership positions in the Senate vacant, ending the leadership of Senator Vicente Sotto III.

In a report, it said that a total of 13 senators voted in favor of vacating all Senate posts, while 10 opposed the motion.

The leadership change came as discussions continue in the House of Representatives regarding the impeachment push against Vice President Sara Duterte, a matter expected to reach the Senate if the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted for trial.

Prior to the voting, Cayetano told the chamber that at least 13 senators were supporting a change in leadership. He also disclosed that Senator Ronald dela Rosa was already inside the Senate premises and on his way to the session hall.

Dela Rosa’s appearance drew attention after he had largely avoided attending Senate sessions since late last year amid reports of a supposed International Criminal Court arrest warrant tied 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 the plenary session.

“But I give you all my respect and ask for an orderly transition in accordance with our rule.”

Cayetano also expressed gratitude to Sotto for his leadership in the Senate despite their previous political disagreements.

“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.