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

Thirteen senators voted in favor of the leadership change, while 10 opposed the motion and two abstained.

The Senate leadership transition came amid ongoing discussions surrounding the possible impeachment trial of Sara Duterte, should the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives reach the Senate.

Before the vote, Cayetano disclosed that at least 13 senators were seeking a change in leadership and requested an orderly transition in accordance with Senate rules.

He also thanked Sotto for his leadership, describing him as a statesman despite their past political differences.

Sotto had served as Senate President of the 20th Congress since September 2025.