Remembering his own experience, former Senate president Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said ouster plots against the Upper Chamber’s leadership is a “normal occurrence” especially when they are about to go on a session break or recess.
That is why, Zubiri said his advice to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and other future Senate leaders, is that they should be ready anytime to adhere to the decision of the majority.
“I think, if you are the Senate President, don’t be too comfortable in your seat. As Senate president, you should be ready at all times to replace or to respect the decision of the majority,” Zubiri said during a Kapihan sa Senado forum on September 26.
“If there are 13 members who don’t want you there anymore, then you just have to respect the decision of the majority; you are at the beck and call of the majority at that point in time,” he further said.
“So my advice to Senate presidents—current and future—never warm up too much on your seats. Never be too attached to your office,” Zubiri stressed.
Zubiri recalled that during the term of then Senate President Vicente Sotto III, talks of a coup swirled within their ranks and he, too, was asked to support the ouster plot.
But he refused to participate saying that back then, he vowed to support the incumbent Senate leader.
“As Senate president, just do a good job; as I said, the Senate president is just the first among equals. Lahat tayo ay (All of us are) equal, nangunguna ka lang, pinili ka lang bilang (you are just in the lead, you were chosen to be the Senate president),” he said.
“But as fast as they gave it to you, it’s also that fast they can take it away from you,”
“What is important is your steadfast conviction on how to help the Filipino people at a particular short period of time,” he stressed.
On Wednesday, Escudero said talks of a Senate coup, which was supposed to have been carried out last Monday, September 23, was nothing but a “rumor unless it becomes a reality.”
Escudero took over the Senate leadership from Zubiri last May after he convinced 15 of his colleagues to sign a statement calling for a change in leadership.
The incumbent Senate chief had admitted to initiating moves to replace Zubiri.