‘Oust Enrile’ talks revived

MANILA, Philippines – Talks about supposed plans to oust Senate President Juan Ponce Ernile were revived on the eve of the scheduled vote on the Reproductive Health bill (RH bill) in the Senate.

But Malacañang is distancing itself from the talks.

“I always say: I am at the disposal of my fellow senators. I have no Torrens title over that position. If they have the numbers against me, there’s no problem,” Enrile said in an interview with radio station DZBB.

Enrile was reacting to statements made by Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago on his possible ouster because of his positions against against two key measures supported by Malacañang: the sin tax and reproductive health bills.

Santiago told The Philippine Daily Inquirer that she expects his ouster by January or February next year.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Aquino and Enrile continue to maintain good relations.

“My understanding of the write up is that it’s Senator Santiago’s personal assessment of the goings on in the halls of the Senate. As far as we are concerned, okay naman po tayo with the Senate President,” Valte said in a press briefing on Sunday, December 16.

Enrile himself doesn’t think the President is involved in plans to oust him.

“Wala akong problema kay presidente, none that I know of,” he said in the same radio interview. – Rappler.com