Sen. Zubiri Hints at Senate Leadership Shift in July 2025

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said he hopes for a change in the Senate’s leadership when the 20th Congress opens on July 28, 2025.

Speaking to reporters in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday, Zubiri said he is open to supporting other candidates for Senate President.

He was in the city for the groundbreaking of Phase 2 of the Kabankalan Water District Water System, where he extended PHP100 million in financial aid.

Asked if a leadership change is possible, Zubiri, who is serving his final term, told the media, “We will find out on July 28 when we convene.”

“If you ask me, I want a Senate leader who protects the institution’s integrity and traditions,” he said.

“I don’t want a dictatorial type of leader,” he added.

“I don’t want the Senate to resemble other chambers where one person dictates everything.”

Zubiri expressed dissatisfaction with the current Senate leadership.

“If you ask me if I am satisfied, I am not,” he said.

“I am open to supporting other candidates for Senate President.”

He emphasized that during his term, he led with a consultative approach, built consensus and held weekly caucuses to tackle pressing issues.

“I am praying that we will have new leadership in the Senate,” Zubiri said.

He also revealed his support for a bloc of veteran senators including Loren Legarda, Tito Sotto, and Ping Lacson.

“We are pushing for Senator Tito Sotto as Senate President,” he said.

Zubiri recalled serving as Sotto’s Majority Leader, highlighting that their leadership delivered key legislation despite the pandemic.

He noted that Sotto held Senate sessions online while personally presiding from the session hall podium.

“That shows he leads by example,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri also addressed rumors that Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has secured 13 votes to retain his post.

“He may have the signatures, but I hope we choose a leader who will maintain the Senate’s independence as the last bastion of democracy,” he said.

He cautioned against pressure to clash with House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“That is not the Senate President’s role,” he said.

“The Senate must steer like a ship that won’t break, no matter how rough the waters, upholding its principles and traditions.”

Zubiri took pride in defeating what he called the “fake people’s initiative.”

“The plan was to make the Senate inutile,” he said.

“If we didn’t fight back, we’d probably be in a parliamentary system today.”

He said the initiative sought to amend the Constitution through a joint vote of both houses, effectively silencing the Senate.

“I’m proud we fought and won that battle,” he said.

Zubiri clarified he is not seeking the Senate presidency and plans to retire from politics in 2028.

“I’m not interested in the position,” he stressed.

“I just want to fight for the Senate’s integrity.”