Veteran Bloc Emerges in Senate
A new group of seasoned lawmakers, known as the veteran bloc, has taken shape in the Senate. This bloc includes Senators Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo Lacson, and Loren Legarda. Together, they represent a strong voice among the chamber’s experienced members.
Sen. Zubiri openly expressed his hopes for a new Senate leadership that will uphold the integrity and traditions of the institution. “If you ask me, I am for a leader of the Senate that will keep protecting the integrity, the traditions of the Senate. Hindi ko yan gusto na ang leader sa Senate would be a dictatorial type. 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,” he shared during an interview in Bacolod.
He added, “If you ask me if I am satisfied with the leadership of the Senate, I am not satisfied. So I am open to supporting other candidates for Senate presidency.”
Zubiri’s Leadership Vision and Role
Previously serving as Senate President from July 2022 until May 2024, Zubiri described himself as a consensus builder who prefers resolving issues during private caucuses rather than public disputes on the Senate floor. He believes this approach prevents the chamber from appearing chaotic.
“I do not let all the discussions be on the floor because making it come out on the floor and fighting it out there shows a very chaotic Senate. And so, I am praying that we have a new leadership in the Senate,” he said.
Support and Challenges Within the Bloc
The veteran bloc initially backed Sen. Sotto for the Senate presidency. However, Zubiri acknowledged that some colleagues maintain that the current Senate President, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, still holds majority support, reportedly with 13 of 24 senators.
“He may have the 13 signatures, but I’m hoping and praying that at the end of the day, we all decide to have a Senate President that will continue its independence as a last bastion of democracy. But not just being independent from the House,” Zubiri said.
He also addressed the misconception that the Senate President should constantly clash with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, clarifying this is not the role of the chamber’s leader.
“The role of the Senate President is to steer the Senate as a ship— no matter how rough the waters are—to show the people that the Senate is our ship of state that will never break down. It will never surrender its principles, its traditions,” Zubiri emphasized.
Future Prospects for the Veteran Bloc
Sen. Sotto has expressed readiness to lead the Senate again if he secures majority support. If not, he has offered to take the role of Minority Leader.
When asked whether the veteran bloc would become the minority group if Sotto fails to gain the presidency, Zubiri replied, “We support Sen. Sotto but if we don’t get the numbers then yes that’s the possibility.”
Local sources note that the Senate leadership race remains dynamic as senators weigh their choices carefully.
For more news and updates on Senate leadership, visit Filipinokami.com.