Vice guv denies LP hand in coup plot vs Senate President

MISAMIS Oriental Vice Governor Norris Babiera expressed disagreement over reports that Malacañang, particularly the Liberal Party, is seeking to oust Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

Babiera, at first, declined to comment on the issue of an alleged coup plot at the Senate against Enrile, saying the Senate is an institution that exercises democratic processes.

However, he was forced to react when pressed that it is Malacañang, particularly the Liberal Party, who is behind the coup plot.

“If we try to look at it, there are only four LP Senators. The others are part of a rainbow coalition so I would not agree to that accusation,” Babiera said.

He said President Benigno Aquino III is comfortable with Enrile’s performance as Senate President, especially during the impeachment proceeding of former Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“The coup plot is purely speculations, especially with the President’s high rating. Gitagaan lang og color ang mga panghitabo,” Babiera said.

Related to this, Zambales Representative Mitos Magsaysay challenged the coup plotters to come out in the open.

This, even as she expressed confidence that the alleged plot will not prosper since Enrile has shown no cause for his peers to lose confidence in his leadership,

Magsaysay said whoever is hatching the ouster plot against Enrile should just come out and say what’s in their hearts instead of sneaking around and forming secret alliances to unseat the Senate chief.

She said Enrile is willing to step down, based on his statement, if there is a consensus of dissatisfaction among his peers in the Senate.

“He is not the type to cling to power even when there is a call for his replacement,” Magsaysay added.

She believed that Enrile’s statement is proof that he is putting the interest of the body first before his own.

Magsaysay emphasized that the Upper House has a lot on its plate right now and getting sidetracked by issues like the “coup plot” is not helping.

“This is not the time for power play and politics,” she said.