Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 9) — Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Thursday said Malacañang and those tagged in the supposed oust-Duterte matrix should have not made a big deal out of a "piece of paper."

"You can come up with any matrix that you want. It's a piece of paper, it does not mean a thing. Pinapatulan kasi (It's being made a big deal). You should have dismissed it e," Sotto told CNN Philippines' Balitaan.

He added that personalities named in the supposed conspiracy to oust President Rodrigo Duterte should just "brush it off."

"Masyado silang balat sibuyas (They are too onion-skinned)," he added, referring to those who have cried foul and denied their involvement in efforts to destabilize the government.

Some of those tagged, however, consider the matrix as a threat to life.

While she belittled the matrix as "laughable," veteran journalist and VERA Files President Ellen Tordesillas said she worries that Malacañang’s “irresponsible” exposé would expose those named to danger. Olympian weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz likewise said she fears for her and her family's life now.

Political and media personalities, journalists and news organizations, and private individuals landed in the matrix presented by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a Palace briefing on Wednesday. Panelo said the President ordered him to make it public, but said he did not know the sources of the intelligence information.

READ: 'Sayang ang intelligence funds': Lacson slams Duterte administration for ouster matrix release

Sotto dismissed the matrix as a list of those who "dislike" the President, but stressed this does not mean they are conniving to overthrow the government.