Senate Veterans Bloc Welcomes Lapid
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has confirmed that Senator Lito Lapid is now part of the Senate veterans bloc. This group, which Zubiri called the Senate veterans bloc, includes Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Zubiri himself, and now Lapid, making a total of five members.
“We have with us Sen. Lito Lapid as well, so we’re five of us,” Zubiri shared during an interview on ANC’s Headstart. He also noted that Lapid remains free to join the majority group if he chooses. “And of course, we told Sen. Lito that if we form the Minority, he doesn’t have to join us, right? Because he may want to be with the Majority for a different reason,” he explained.
Sotto Seen as Senate President Candidate
Zubiri has openly backed Sotto as the candidate for Senate president when the 20th Congress convenes on July 28. However, if Sotto fails to secure majority support among the 24 senators, the veterans bloc is prepared to form the new minority group.
“We’re counting if we don’t make it on 28th of July, Sen. Sotto will be our Minority Leader,” Zubiri said. “The membership is as follows: myself, Loren Legarda, and Ping Lacson. We consider ourselves the veterans bloc and hopefully we can make changes in the Senate.”
Minority Group Opens Doors to Hontiveros
Zubiri also expressed that Senator Risa Hontiveros is welcome to join their minority bloc. This came after reports circulated that her supposed allies, Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, have already pledged support for incumbent Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s leadership.
According to sources, Pangilinan and Aquino have signed a resolution backing Escudero and have requested chairmanships of key committees—agriculture and education. Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada confirmed that Pangilinan was offered to lead the agriculture panel, while Aquino was offered the education panel.
Pangilinan, however, did not directly confirm these reports. In a Viber message, he said, “In fact, the two of us met again yesterday, and we might have another meeting — this time with Bam — before the 28th. So just stay tuned for the 28th.”
For more news and updates on Senate veterans bloc, visit Filipinokami.com.
