Former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has openly voiced his support for the potential return of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to the Senate’s top post in the 20th Congress, saying he is “not satisfied” with how incumbent Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is steering the chamber.
In an interview shared by his office Wednesday night, Zubiri criticized the current leadership style under Escudero, saying he opposes a “dictatorial type” of governance in the Senate.
“If you ask me, I’m for a leader of the Senate who keeps protecting the integrity, the traditions of the Senate,” Zubiri said, adding, “I don’t want us to be similar to other chambers where it is only one emperor who dictates all the instructions to the members of the body.”
Zubiri further revealed plans to form a “veteran bloc” in the next Congress, which would include himself, Sotto, Senator Loren Legarda, and former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. He affirmed his loyalty to Sotto, recalling their previous working relationship. “I’m a loyal majority leader of the Senate President,” he said.
He emphasized that the Senate president must ensure the independence of the upper chamber, especially amid growing concerns about influence from the House of Representatives. “The role of the Senate President is to steer the Senate as a ship no matter how rough the waters are… it will never surrender its principles, its traditions,” he stressed.
Zubiri also took pride in his previous leadership style, citing his use of weekly caucuses for internal discussions to avoid chaotic public debates.
Meanwhile, Escudero, who replaced Zubiri as Senate president in May 2024, maintains that the Senate must handle sensitive matters—such as the looming impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte—with full transparency, opting to discuss them in plenary sessions.
Escudero has acknowledged that he moved to unseat Zubiri following the latter’s resignation.
