Jinggoy denies link to 'coup plot' vs Escudero

MANILA, Philippines — SENATE President pro-tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Monday admitted hearing "rumors" of a coup plot against Senate President Francis Escudero but said he was not involved.Estrada denied being the mastermind of the coup plot and refuted reports that he would replace Escudero. The senator said that nobody approached him to sign a manifesto to oust Escudero, and none of his fellow senators were advocating for it.Estrada emphasized that he continues to support Escudero.Escudero denied that the senators were plotting to oust him.Some senators questioned the supposed coup against Escudero, with Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa saying that the issue only disturbed their "quiet life." He said no one is circulating a resolution for the senators to sign to expel Escudero from the Senate leadership.Senator Cynthia Villar clarified that she was not "involved" in the coup plot, while Senator Loren Legarda insisted that she had no idea about it.