Senator Zubiri: Majority bloc may initiate a change in Senate leadership

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri announced on Thursday, February 5, that a change in leadership is expected in the Senate, but it will come from the majority bloc.

In an interview, Zubiri said the plan was discussed during a recent meeting at the Senate lounge with members of the majority group, turning what started as a joke into a serious proposal.

“So yesterday, when we were discussing inside the lounge, I made a joke saying that maybe at the end term of Senator Sotto (Senate President Vicente Sotto III), she (Sen. Loren Legarda) can become the Senate President, the first woman Senate President. And he gladly agreed, and he said, ‘yes, why not?’” Zubiri recalled.

He clarified that this would not involve term-sharing between Sotto and Legarda; rather, Legarda would be installed as Senate President in the latter part of Sotto’s term.

“So it’s not official, but the understanding was in the latter part of Sen. Sotto’s term as Senate President of the 20th Congress that we will elect the first woman Senate president in the history of this Congress,” Zubiri said.

“So, and I believe he has confirmed that with several of you guys. And I think it’s an exciting time. Better that way so that the majority remains solid,” he added.

“There’s no formal term-sharing. But there’s already an agreement,” Zubiri stressed.

Legarda, according to Zubiri, is already aware of the plan.

“She was there when we talked about it. But I think today, when I mentioned to her that I think the Senate President is seriously looking into that possibility, I think congratulations are in order to hopefully, our future first female Senate president,” he said.

Zubiri said Legarda could assume the Senate presidency after the Upper Chamber transfers to its new building in Taguig City, which is expected by the end of 2027.

“We’re looking at possibly, after the transfer to the new building. Which is when? That’s the legacy of Senate President Sotto and Sen. Ping (Panfilo) Lacson, the new building. The new Senate building,” he said.

“So I think the idea is by 2027, I think late 2027, we will transfer to the new building. And of course, he will transition to the new building. After which, of course, before the 2028 elections, the good Sen. Loren Legarda could sit as Senate President,” he added.

Zubiri also expressed his willingness to step down as Majority Floor Leader and allow Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito to assume the position.

“That way, you know, we also give an opportunity to other members of the Senate to hold leadership positions,” he said.

He further noted that the majority bloc hopes to attract more minority senators to their side.

“That’s what we’re are looking at, to increase the members of the majority bloc,” he said.

-Paraluman News